Orange County firefighters continued monitoring and containing flames burning at a now-largely destroyed World War II-era blimp hangar at the former Tustin Air Base, but while the fire was not posing any threat, residents were warned of smoke and ash affecting air quality in the area.
The cause of the blaze was not immediately known. The fire ignited early Tuesday morning at one of two giant hangars that were built in 1942 and once housed blimps used in World War II.
Crews responded after 1:30 a.m. Tuesday to the hangar at Valencia Avenue and Armstrong Road, where they found massive flames bursting through the roof, according to the OCFA. Pieces of the roof were seen slowly falling to the ground as the fire continued to burn. At one point early Tuesday morning, the fire authority called in a helicopter to help put out the blaze.
The danger posed by the fire caused firefighters to pull away from the massive structure and just allow the fire to burn out and the remaining parts of the hangar to collapse.
“Due to the dynamic nature of the fire, and the imminent danger of collapse, we have determined the most operationally sound method is to allow the structure to collapse, at which point ground crews can move in closer, and aggressively work to extinguish the fire,” the OCFA said in a statement around daybreak Tuesday.
The Orange County Fire Authority reported Tuesday evening that the hangar was still on fire, but the flames were less threatening. Firefighters remained at the scene overnight to ensure full containment, and to protect against any additional flare-ups.
OCFA officials said Wednesday the flames were continuing to burn, but there was a marked reduction in smoke pouring out of the facility.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District on Tuesday issued a smoke advisory for the Tustin and surrounding areas due to smoke and ash generated by the blaze. AQMD officials said most impacts were localized in the general area, but with Santa Ana winds returning to the area, the smoke could spread to other areas.
Orange County health officials urged people in the area to limit their exposure to smoke by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, and avoiding touching ash that may have drifted into neighborhoods.
“Everyone should be aware of the recommended precautions to reduce the health effects of smoke and ash from building fires,” Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, Orange County Health Officer and OC Health Care Agency’s Director of Public Health Services, said in a statement. “Extra measures may be needed for those with pre-existing medical conditions like heart or lung disease, those with disabilities, older adults, children, and those who may be working outdoors.”
Listed on the national Register of Historic Places, the hangars stand 17 stories high, are over 1,000 feet long and 300 feet wide — and are two of the largest wooden structures ever built, according to the website Tustin Hangars.
The hangars have been featured in television and films, including “JAG, ” “The X-Files,” “Austin Powers,” “Pearl Harbor ” and “Star Trek.”
Anyone with information that might be helpful to investigators was asked to call 714-573-3225. Orange County Crime Stoppers will accept anonymous tips at (855) TIP-OCCS.