Hangar fire in Tustin raises concerns of health among local residents

After the historic hangar in Tustin burned, traces of harmful materials were found in the ashes, resulting in several precautions taking hold. Photo by JACK SUNDBLAD, Staff Photographer

In the early hours of the morning on Nov. 7, one of the two historic hangars in Tustin erupted into flames. 

The hangars were built in 1942 and held blimps during World War II for the U.S. Marine Corps. According to the city of Tustin, the two structures are some of the largest wooden structures to ever be built in the world. 

As the fire was occurring, residents nearby were advised to stay indoors and to stay out of the area. During this time, the ash was deemed to be harmful by the city of Tustin.

Two days after the fire initially started, the public was informed of asbestos being found in the ash that could be seen throughout Tustin. As a result, schools in the area were closed for the following few days as a safety precaution. 

On Nov. 9, Al Vasquez, Chapman’s vice president of enterprise risk and safety, sent out an email regarding a smoke advisory to students, staff and faculty members.

“Smoke and ash from the recent fire at a hangar located at the former Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin may pose a health risk to some Orange County (OC) residents in the immediate and adjacent vicinity, including the City of Orange,” the email stated. “As a result, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has issued a smoke advisory indicating that air quality will be variable as wind conditions change.”

Since the initial fire, there have been two additional flare-ups, reigniting the fire. The most recent took place on Nov. 14.  

The South Coast Air Quality Air Control tested the ash to see what would be found in it. The results showcased that the Tustin Legacy area tested for more than 1% of asbestos. Lead and nickel were also found in the debris, which made the city declare a Local State of Emergency.

The city of Tustin will receive $1 million from the Navy to clean up neighborhoods in the affected surrounding areas of the hangar. Clean-up of the area has begun, but it has raised concern among residents.

Many living in the communities have noticed that the crew cleaning the area have been wearing protective gear. However, residents have questioned why they have not been asked to evacuate the area or take those same precautions. 

The most recent press release from the city of Tustin on Nov. 14 explains the city’s future plans to tear down the remains of the damaged hangar.

“Although the fire is still slowly consuming more of the hangar, a controlled and systematic teardown of the remaining structure is being prepared,” the press release stated. “The exact date and time of the teardown has not been determined. Building engineers need to ensure the teardown process considers the weather, the amount of the building remaining and any dust up from the work.”

More updates are to follow on the city of Tustin’s website as the clean-up process continues.