Debris removal from torched Tustin hangar is almost complete

A year-and-a-half after an iconic World War II blimp hangar burned down in Tustin, Navy contractors expect to be finished removing debris from the site by the end of this month, according to an update from the city.

The Tustin hangars are among the largest wooden structures ever built. They housed blimps sent to patrol the U.S. Pacific coastline for enemy craft during World War II. One of the hangars burned to the ground in November 2023, spewing toxic debris into the surrounding community.

What’s next with the cleanup?

Navy contractors are more than a year into the cleanup of the actual hangar site, which has required specialized treatment because of asbestos. According to the Navy’s cleanup timeline, there are still at least a few months left of work, including demolishing some of the remaining parts.

Do we know how it burned down?

No. An Orange County Fire Authority investigation found there was a break-in the day before the fire started, potentially to steal copper wiring. But fire officials were ultimately unable to pin down the cause of the blaze.

What about the other hangar?

The city is collecting feedback from the community about what to do with the torched hangar’s twin, known as the South Hangar, and the remaining 500 acres of undeveloped land that made up the former military base. The city estimates that maintenance of the hangar could cost around $10 million annually, while a full restoration could cost more than $100 million.

The city will have booths at the following upcoming events where residents can learn about plans for the hangar and the land — and give their opinion:

• Movies in the Park, Veterans Sports Park, 1645 Valencia Ave., 6 p.m., June 27
• Sunset Market, Old Town Tustin (El Camino Real and Third Street), 5 to 8:30 p.m., July 17

You can learn more about the project and sign up for updates on the city's Tustin Legacy webpage.