Firefighters evacuating downtown Detroit's Penobscot Building due to smoke

Firefighters are on the scene of an emergency at the historic Penobscot Building in downtown Detroit, officials said.

Deputy Detroit Fire Commissioner Dave Fornell said the department dispatched firefighters at about 9:33 a.m. after receiving a call about smoke in the building's boiler room.

"They're still on the scene," he said. "They're evacuating the building."

He said no injuries have been reported at this time.

"Apparently, the smoke is coming in through the electrical feed of the building, so DTE Energy crews are responding as well," Fornell said.

Officials with the Wayne County Circuit Court said its operations in the Penobscot Building were closed Wednesday because of a building fire. As a result, all Friend of the Court staff will work remotely. In addition, hearings with referees will be held virtually at their scheduled times, but they will be rescheduled if they are unable to proceed Wednesday.  

Officials for Triple Properties Detroit, which manages the building, could not be reached for comment.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @CharlesERamirez