EVERETT — A massive fire destroyed a title company and threatened several other businesses in downtown Everett Thursday night. Flames engulfed Stewart Title Co., jumping through the roof and sending thick, black smoke billowing through the air.

Every on-duty firefighter in Everett and firefighters from three other departments battled the blaze at 2721 Wetmore Ave.

The fire broke out shortly before 9 p.m. and spread quickly. When firefighters arrived, flames were already licking the ceiling, said Everett Fire Marshall Glen Martinsen. Firefighters who had entered the building were pulled out because their safety was at risk.

“The fire was absolutely beyond control,” he said over the crackle of the burning building.

Almost immediately, firefighters went on the defensive, trying to prevent the destruction of neighboring buildings.

“I’m just hoping they contain it,” said Marianne Skotdal, who owns the Wetmore Building, a large office building just one away from the title company. “I’m very sorry and sad this whole thing happened. It’s devastating.”

She saw the smoke from her home and, hoping it wasn’t her family’s building, walked down to the blaze.

Firefighters don’t believe anyone was in the building when the fire started and, as of 10 p.m., no injuries were reported, Martinsen said.

Firefighters stood on ladders high above Stewart Title, pouring water at the one-story building.

Firefighters soaked neighboring buildings to try to keep flames from spreading. However, wind sent embers flying onto adjacent businesses, Martinsen said. He expected the fire to keep firefighters working through this morning.

It’s unclear where or how the fire started.

The smoke was visible throughout downtown and scores of people gathered to watch the building burn.

“You can see the ashes in the air and black smoke,” 13-year-old Jose Marquez said, standing in an alley, watching. “Picture flames on the top of a building. Picture glass broken and everywhere flames.”

Retiree John Lindsay saw the smoke from his kitchen window and walked to the fire. He watched as firefighters scurried around the building.

“Those are some brave firefighters,” he said. “I don’t know what they get paid, but those are some brave men.”

Stewart Title Co. is based in Dallas. About 30 employees worked in the Wetmore Avenue office, according to the company’s Web site. The company also has an office in Bothell.

Herald writer Eric Fetters contributed to this report.

Reporter Kaitlin Manry: 425-339-3292 or kmanry@heraldnet.com.