Lifeguard Tower Burns, Arsonist Sought In Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — It has been ten years since a lifeguard tower was destroyed in Newport Beach, but this week an iconic landmark tower was leveled by arson, officials say.

Local authorities are seeking an arsonist who set a landmark lifeguard tower aflame early Thursday. A video, captured on the Marine Safety Headquarters Surfline video showed a shadow in the darkness setting the fire, according to the Register. Officials are seeking the one responsible for the destruction.

The conflagration destroyed more than a wooden lifeguard tower, it destroyed a legacy, locals say. A beam of wood held the names of those who perished at the spot, including Ben Carlson, Knox Tiernan, Brad Honda, and Gene Peterson. Workers, together with local Bart Evans, sought out the burned plank for salvage.

"Knowing that my nephew's name was etched on the Wedge tower, along with others who have touched our lives, I wanted to try and recover that piece of timber," he posted on social media.

The replacement costs will range between $12 and $15,000, according to a report from the Orange County Register.