An afternoon lightning strike is to blame for the blaze that brought down the 10,000-foot lookout tower, which was built in 1931 and renovated in 1998.  

“The building was eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, both for its significance in early park resource protection efforts, and as an outstanding example of the rustic architectural style that typified early park architecture,” Yellowstone National Park Deputy Superintendent Pat Kenney in a statement. “We are disappointed that this historic structure, as a window into the past, is gone.”

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the agency said the truck, which the county received at no cost through state government partners, will be “demobilized from the military” and get a new paint job.  

The LMTV will then be given to the Southeast Pamlico Fire Department, which will use it as a dual-purpose brush truck and high water vehicle.

It has been over three months since the city of Grand Blanc announced it would start its own fire department. The city chose to create its own department after the township decided in January to dissolve a 72-year-old fire authority partnership between the two communities.  

Firefighters have been hired, equipment purchased and a date to take over the city fire station has been set, states a city of Grand Blanc news release.  

In addition to the rescue squad and command car purchased last month, the city has purchased a pumper truck, Smith said. The truck has a 500-gallon tank, air pack and foam capability and is “specifically designed for city firefighting operations” with the latest technologies. Axes, helmets, ropes and boots have also been purchased.