ESCANABA — The fire that damaged the Harbor Tower, a 175-unit subsidized housing facility and tallest building in Escanaba, was likely caused by a lit cigarette or other smoking device, according to the Escanaba Department of Public Safety.

In a Tuesday written statement, investigators determined the fire was likely started in a lounge chair in the livingroom area one of the tower’s apartments. EDPS officers said two people were injured and several others displaced by the Feb. 28 blaze.

“This incident highlights the strength of coordinated emergency response and the dedication of public safety personnel committed to protecting our community,” an earlier public safety press release detailed.

One of the two people injured in the incident, an Escanaba firefighter, was transported to OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba for treatment and made a full recovery. The injured civilian was an apartment occupant. After being treated at St. Francis, the victim was transported to a burn trauma unit at a Milwaukee hospital and remains in critical but stable condition.

Assisting at the scene and with the investigation was Delta County Central Dispatch, Rampart EMS, the American Red Cross, Delta County Sheriff’s Office, Delta County Search and Rescue, RTF, DATA, Delta County Emergency Management, Ford River Fire Department, Escanaba Township Fire Department, Michigan State Police, the Escanaba Civic Center, the City of Escanaba Water and Electric Departments and DTE Energy.