Former part-time firefighter arrested in connection with Iowa fire station fire

UPDATE: IOWA, La. (KLFY) — The State Fire Marshal announced a former part-time firefighter was arrested in connection with the fire.

Jamison Smith, 18, was charged with one count of simple arson.

ORIGINAL: IOWA, La. (KLFY) — The effort to rebuild a fire station in Iowa hit a roadblock this morning, when a fire ripped through the building, authorities said.

The old Iowa Volunteer Fire Department station on Thompson Avenue caught fire this morning, according to the Iowa Police Department.

According to Fire Chief Charlotte Lantier the fire station was no longer in use following damage sustained during Hurricane Laura. The Fire Department had just settled with their insurance company to have the station rebuilt but it is now considered a total loss, Lantier said.

Officials said some equipment was damaged in the fire, including a fire truck. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.