News Summary
The Bodie Island Lighthouse in North Carolina is under investigation following a break-in and a fire at the keepers’ quarters. Local authorities are looking into both incidents as community members express concern over the safety of this historic site. Fortunately, firefighters quickly managed to extinguish the fire and no injuries were reported. The keepers’ quarters are now closed for investigation and repairs, while the lighthouse is expected to reopen for climbing in April 2025.
Buxton, North Carolina – The Bodie Island Lighthouse has recently experienced a series of alarming incidents, including a reported break-in and a fire at the keepers’ quarters. Local authorities are currently investigating both events as community members look to understand the implications for the historic site.
Between Monday evening and Tuesday morning, an unidentified individual forced their way into the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Law enforcement park rangers provided the first report of the break-in but did not release specifics regarding any stolen items or property damage resulting from the incident. The lighthouse is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and is one of the five iconic lighthouses located in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Anyone with information relating to the break-in is encouraged to contact the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch at 1-888-653-0009 or submit an online tip.
On the same day as the break-in, firefighters were summoned to the same location around noon due to a fire that broke out at the keepers’ quarters of the Bodie Island Lighthouse. An employee working inside the store noticed smoke, prompting an immediate alert to emergency services. Firefighters arrived on the scene to find smoke billowing from the four chimneys of the living quarters. Rapid response from various fire departments ensured that the fire was quickly extinguished, and all occupants were evacuated safely without any injuries reported.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is currently evaluating the damage from the fire while collaborating with the Nags Head Fire Department to conduct an investigation. As a precautionary measure, the keepers’ quarters, located directly in front of the lighthouse, have been closed indefinitely to facilitate the investigation and necessary repairs. The superintendent of the National Parks of Eastern North Carolina stated that the firefighters effectively minimized damage to the historic structure.
Historically, the keepers’ quarters have been a significant part of the Bodie Island Lighthouse’s operations, having undergone two major renovations, with the most recent completed in 1992. Today, these quarters serve dual purposes as a ranger office and a visitor center, where guests can learn more about the lighthouse and its history.
Despite these recent setbacks, the Bodie Island Lighthouse is anticipated to reopen for climbing on April 18, 2025. The climbing period will run daily until October 13, 2025. Tickets for this experience are available for same-day purchase starting at 7 a.m. through recreation.gov. Visitors looking to climb the lighthouse can expect to ascend 219 steps, reflecting the height of a ten-story building, up narrow spiral stairs featuring a handrail on only one side for safety.
It should be noted that there will be no climbing opportunities for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse this year due to ongoing restoration efforts. The preservation and maintenance of the Outer Banks lighthouses are essential not only for their historical significance but also for ensuring the safety of visitors and local residents.
As both incidents at the Bodie Island Lighthouse continue to unfold, the local community remains hopeful that the valuable and historic structure can be preserved and maintained for future generations to enjoy.
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Additional Resources
- WITN: Bodie Island Lighthouse Break-in
- Wikipedia: Bodie Island Lighthouse
- WBTV: Fire at Bodie Island Lighthouse
- Google Search: Bodie Island Lighthouse
- Wavy: Bodie Island Lighthouse Reopening
- Google Scholar: Bodie Island Lighthouse
- Southern Living: Nags Head Getaway
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bodie Island Lighthouse
