Completely gone: Firefighter arrested after fire station destroyed in arson fire [Video]

IOWA, La. (KPLC/Gray News) – Authorities in Louisiana say a firefighter has been arrested for arson after a destructive fire tore through an area fire station.

KPLC reports that an old Iowa Volunteer Fire Department station on Thompson Avenue is a complete loss after an early Friday morning fire.

“It was heartbreaking, something a fire chief never wants to see is their fire station go up in flames,” Iowa Fire Chief Charlotte Lantier said.

Fire officials said they also had to arrest one of their own in connection with the blaze, 18-year-old firefighter Jamison Smith.

According to officials, the 18-year-old was arrested on one count of simple arson and has since been fired.

Authorities said Smith was working part-time for the department after serving a year as a volunteer.

The Fire Marshal’s Office did not say what tied Smith to the fire but noted evidence at the scene.

“Following an assessment of the …