Early on Tuesday, a historic hangar from World War II that played a significant role in Orange County’s military history was destroyed by fire at the former Tustin Air Base.
Flames were seen shooting through the roof of the imposing wooden hangar when the fire was first reported at around 1:30 in the morning close to Valencia Avenue and Armstrong Road. Due to the possibility of a roof collapse, portions of the roof collapsed to the ground, and firefighters set up shop outside the normally empty hanger.
It was unprecedented, according to fire officials, for the fire authority to send in a helicopter to assist in putting out the fire. Firefighting with Chinook helicopters is one of their uses.
Information regarding the cause was not immediately available. There were no reported injuries.
“We have decided that the most effective method is to allow the structure to fall apart, at which point ground crews are able to move in closer, and aggressively work to put out the fire,” the Orange County Fire Authority posted on Twitter.
Hangars that once held blimps used in World War II are where the fire is located. They are more than 1,000 feet long and 300 feet wide, with a height of 17 stories. The website Tustin Hangars claims that these two buildings were and still are among the biggest wooden constructions ever constructed.
After being put into service in 1942, the almost 1,600-acre property had a major impact on Navy and Marine aviation for fifty years. The air base was shut down in 1999.
Angie Kardashian was sobbing as she observed billowing black smoke emanating from the remnants of the enormous building. Kardashian claimed to be a Tustin restaurant owner who gave away free Thanksgiving dinners to families and Marines.
Kardashian remarked, “I was in these hangars a lot.” “I know I wasn’t supposed to, but I climbed up on the hangars with the Marines.” A portion of the hangar is on my wall at home. The fact that this is happening simply amazes me.”
One of the Marines Kardashian served with showed up on the scene as she was telling NBCLA her story. As they watched a piece of Tustin’s history burn, they shared an embrace.
Clay Dickson reported that on Tuesday morning, he had a conversation with a few of his fellow Marines.
“Some on the East Coast believed it was burning even before I did,” said Dickson. “They’re devastated, too.”
In 1996, a reuse plan was created, and the city was collaborating with the Navy to put it into action.
Mayor Austin Lumbard of Tustin declared, “It’s a sad day.” “These hangars are much more than just buildings. Numerous people have worked in the hangars and served on this base. They have a history as a military community in Orange County. The North Hangar’s story is not over as planned.”
During a strong windstorm in October 2013, damage was done to the roof of the North Hangar. After the storm, the Navy fixed the roof, but the structure stayed closed.
The fire that happened overnight did not damage the South Hangar. The structure near Warner Avenue and Tustin Ranch Road, also known as Hangar 2, is currently being assessed for potential future use.
The hangars have appeared in movies and television shows like “Star Trek,” “JAG,” “The X Files,” “Austin Powers,” and “Pearl Harbor.”