With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Schools And Parks Closed In Tustin After Debris From Tustin Hangar Fire Tested Positive For Asbestos
The historic blimp hangar, at right, seen as it burned on Nov. 7, 2023.
(
Jae C. Hong
/
Associated Press
)
Schools, daycares and preschools at Tustin Unified School District — including some parks — were closed Thursday amid air quality concerns after a fire that destroyed a historic blimp hangar at the former Tustin air force base earlier this week.
A report from the South Coast Air Quality Management District released Wednesday night found that the debris and ash tested positive for asbestos.
Why it matters
Exposure to asbestos has been proven to be linked to causing some forms of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Support for LAist comes from
Why now
Tustin Unified Superintendent Mark Johnson sent a message late Wednesday night to staff alerting parents and students of Thursday's closure after a notice from the South Coast Air Quality Management District that the debris found in the Tustin Legacy area tested greater than 1% positive for asbestos.
Friday was already scheduled to be closed for Veterans Day.
Officials urged parents, staff and students to check the district's website for the latest updates.
City and county response
Tustin hangar map
Orange County officials said Thursday that they activated their Emergency Operations Center at 8:30 a.m. to respond to concerns and questions — and to mobilize if needed.
Support for LAist comes from
In addition:
- A website for public info is now at ocgov.com/tustin
- A hotline is available for residents at 714-628-7085 and will be open until 9 p.m. Thursday.
About the park closures
City officials announced that some parks in Tustin would be temporarily closed. They are warning the community to avoid or limit outdoor exposure after a smoke advisory was issued for Wednesday.
Here's a list of the parks that are currently closed:
- The Annex at Tustin Legacy, 15445 Lansdowne Road
- Tustin Legacy Park, Red Hill Avenue/Barranca Parkway
- Veterans Sport Park, 1645 Valencia Avenue
- Tustin Sports Park, 12850 Robinson Drive
- Victory Park, 3300 Park Avenue
- Centennial Park, 14722 Devonshire Ave.
- Frontier Park, 1400 Mitchell Ave.
- Ron Foell Park, 60 Windrow Rd.
- Pine Tree Park, 1402 Bryan Ave.
- Additional parks/facilities may be closed pending further information from AQMD/OCHCA
Saturday's Veterans Day event and car show has also been canceled for the time being.
Resources
What you should know to protect yourself from poor air quality
-
The Southern California Air Quality Management District, which monitors air quality and enforces regulations offers this guidance:
-
Get information:
- Download the South Coast AQMD mobile app and sign up for advisories at AirAlerts.org
-
Get prepared:
- Change your filters regularly on an air conditioning system, if you have one. Look for filters labeled “MERV13” or higher, which are most effective for removing smoke particles.
- A portable HEPA air cleaner can also help. available will also help to create (See the EPA's tips for additional guidance on home air filtration.)
- Keep a few disposable respirators (i.e. N-95 or P-100 respirators) on hand
-
For vulnerable people:
- If you or your family member has a heart or lung disease (such as asthma), consult your doctor to have a plan in case in case of heavy smoke or other dangerous air quality issues.
Support for LAist comes from
Read more about the fire:
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist