Their building was directly hit by the EF-1 tornado around 5:15pm. The tornado brought winds up to 110 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

Eight people, including six firefighters, were inside at the time, but walked away unhurt, according to Autryville Fire Chief Andrew Hawkins.

The roof of the volunteer department was ripped off and tossed behind the building. One of the support walls was knocked down on top of three of their four fire engines.

Chief Hawkins said those vehicles, which are worth $420,000, were destroyed.

Just 30 minutes after the tornado hit the small town of 200, the fire department was back in service, accepting emergency calls.

Fire Chief Peter Siecienski said he hoped that the new firehouse would be seen as an inviting place, recalling the looks of wonder that youngsters had when they encountered fire trucks on the street outside.

“It belongs to the community. It’s a building that should have a sense of warmth to it,” he said. “And it will last well in excess of 50 years.”