Published Sunday, November 12, 2023

Photo Credit: OCFA

SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA

Incident Summary

Photo Credit: OCFA PIO

A fire ripped through the former hangar at the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin in Orange County in the early morning hours of November 7, 2023, causing toxic smoke and ash to impact area communities.

It was reported to have broken out around 0100 hours and would be escalated to a 3rd alarm fire.

Historic Blimp Hangar

This is also said to be one of two historic blimp hangars at the facility.

While this one was burning, the other stood steadfast in the distance.

(L) Photo Credit: OCFA PIO

It reportedly caught fire and collapsed. Those who were reporting on the ground, say this station has been standing here for 80 years (WWWII era)

The hangar itself is said to be one of the largest wooden (Oregon Douglas Fir) structures ever built in 1942, was listed as 17 stories high, over 1,000 feet long, and 300 feet wide. It is one of two left in this world left.

Toxic Smoke and Ash Plumes

Residents are able to call 714-628-7085 to find out more information on this fire.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued a Smoke Advisory for the Tustin area due to poor air quality until Wednesday of that week, due to the forecasted wind change.

A second update on this fire by Orange County has released information about samples taken from the fire inside the hangar to have asbestos and other heavy metals. A warning was released to those near the fire area who were being cautioned due to asbestos and heavy metal exposure.

Photo Credit: Irvine PD

County EOC Activated

The County of Orange activated and began staffing up its Emergency Operations Center or known as their EOC on November 9, 2023, due to the fire incident that broke out a the hangar.

Local Emergency Declared

The County declared a local emergency due to the hangar fire and due to needing assistance to ensure proper resources are provided after the fire with remediation. Proclamation here: https://www.ocgov.com/sites/ocgov/files/2023-11/11-9-23%20Proclamation%20of%20Local%20Emergency.pdf. It was declared on November 13, 2023.

Urgent Demo Work Requested

The Stars and Stripes reported the City’s Mayor has called upon the US Navy to expedite the tearing down and cleaning up the remains as soon as possible. This is what the aftermath looks like and appears it is going to be a big cleanup for the Federal Government and its partners.

Photo Credit: Stripes.com

Cause Is Unknown, But Investigators Full On Focused

Arson Investigators were on the scene of the fire and are more than ever determined to find out the cause of this extraordinary fire which has been vacant for quite some time. Investigators say it could take days to figure out the root cause of this major structure fire.

(c) 2023 NW Fire Blog