End of Watch

By Allison Marlow
Posted 6/30/17

The Elberta fire tower is no more.

The tower, believed to be about 67 years old, was once a lookout for officials to watch for forest fires and other dangers. In recent years, the tower itself …

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End of Watch

Posted

The Elberta fire tower is no more.

The tower, believed to be about 67 years old, was once a lookout for officials to watch for forest fires and other dangers. In recent years, the tower itself became a danger as glass at the top became loose and shards showered down on neighbors.

To keep the tower within the city as a historical keepsake was a near impossible task with a price tag of $40,000 – the cost just to move it to a safer location.

Davana LLC Fire Tower Restoration lowered the tower to the ground last week after the worst of Tropical Storm Cindy moved through the area. Owner David Vana and his crew have removed and refurbished fire towers in 14 states. Private owners turn the aged sentries into private lookouts and even vacation spots.

Now that the Elberta tower is down, Vana will clean and hot dip every piece in molten zinc. Any unsalvageable pieces will be replaced with new materials. All nuts, bolts, stair treads and windows are also replaced.

The tower will be shipped to central Alabama will it will be raised again for a private owner.