Massive Fire Ravages Historic WWII Blimp Hangar in Tustin

A massive fire engulfed one of the two historic WWII blimp hangars at the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. The blaze, which broke out at approximately 1:30 a.m., quickly spread through the wooden structure, sending flames and smoke billowing into the night sky.

Firefighters from multiple agencies battled the blaze for hours, but their efforts were hampered by the hangar's immense size and the lack of water on the property. As the fire raged on, portions of the hangar's roof collapsed, further complicating firefighting efforts.

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By the time the fire was brought under control around 10 p.m., the hangar was largely destroyed. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

The hangar, which was built in 1942, was one of the largest wooden structures in the world. It had been used to house blimps during World War II and was later used for a variety of purposes, including filming movies and television shows.

The loss of the hangar is a devastating blow to the city of Tustin and to Orange County history. The hangar was a beloved landmark and a reminder of the city's rich military heritage.

"It's a sad day for Tustin," said Tustin Mayor Jerry Amante. "This hangar was a piece of our history, and it's heartbreaking to see it gone."

The fire also raises concerns about the future of the other hangar at the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin. That hangar is currently vacant, but there have been proposals to redevelop the property.