HAMLIN COUNTY, S.D. (KELO) — The mayor says the Lake Norden fire station and ambulance site was destroyed by fire Wednesday morning.

During a news conference, the mayor said two ambulances and five fire vehicles were destroyed or severely damaged. But people in western Hamlin County will have emergency coverage thanks to nearby communities.

Lake Area Tech in Watertown has donated an ambulance while Hayti and Codington County have offered to cover fire services.

The mayor asks people to stay away from the fire scene as the town wants to get the building torn down and replaced as quickly as possible.

Emergency crews from several communities responded to Lake Norden including Watertown, Codington County, Hayti and Estelline. The state fire marshal just arrived on scene and will be investigating the cause of the fire.

The Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office posted pictures of the scene to Facebook.

KELOLAND News will provide updates both on air and online throughout the day.