Tustin hangar fire: Blaze partially reignites, schools closed Monday
Toxic cleanup continues after hangar fire
Schools remained closed in Tustin as hazmat workers continue doing their best to clean up a potential asbestos contamination.
TUSTIN, Calif. - Crews in Tustin were monitoring another fire at the hangar that burnt down after a portion of the mostly-destroyed building reignited Saturday night. The fire has forced local schools to announce closures Monday.
The city of Tustin first reported that the north gate of the hangar at the Tustin Air Base had reignited around 6 p.m., advising people to stay out of the area.
The fire first erupted around 1:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the massive WWII-era hangar at Valencia Avenue and Armstrong Road. Due to the size of the structure and the difficulty of safely reaching the flames, Orange County Fire Authority crews opted to pull back and allow the wooden building to burn, essentially consuming the structure.
Tustin hangar partially reignites
A portion of the blimp hangar in Tustin that mostly burned down earlier this week, reignited. The new flames have prompted area schools to close again Monday.
On Wednesday, the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a warning about unhealthy air quality in the area after tests of debris and ash from the fire showed the presence of asbestos, prompting an emergency proclamation.
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Area schools and parks were closed because of the fire, and several area Veterans Day celebrations were canceled.
Images from SkyFOX showed the fire burning both at the top of the north gate, and near the ground as debris fell, spreading the flames.
After the news about the new flareup was announced, the Tustin Unified School District announced that Monday, Nov. 13 would be a "non-student day" at all district schools. The district also announced they'd be using information gathered by an independent asbestos testing company to determine their reopening plan.
More information about the district's reopening plan can be found by tapping or clicking here.
The city of Tustin announced Sunday that crews were working to clear potentially contaminated materials from the hangar fire, and warned of potential temporary street closures in the immediate vicinity.
Tustin hanger fire: State of emergency declared
The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a warning about unhealthy air quality in the area after tests of debris and ash from the fire showed the presence of asbestos, prompting the issuance of the emergency proclamation and a call for residents to take precautions.
Health officials shared several measures the public can take to stay safe:
- Avoid touching fire debris/ash or other materials unless properly trained to do so
- Wear protective equipment (mask/gloves) if in an area where there is high risk of encountering asbestos
- Remove shoes before entering a residence
- Keep windows closed on windy days
- Spray patios with water instead of sweeping them
- Avoid using leaf blowers
- Wash off ash from vehicles, outdoor toys, outdoor furniture and pets
Orange County officials have set up a website, and a hotline, 714-628-7085, where the public can get updates.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors are scheduled to hold a special meeting Monday to consider ratifying an emergency proclamation making it easier to deal with the health and environmental fallout from the fires.