Fire at Historic WWII-era Blimp Hangar in California Releases Asbestos, Forces Closure of Schools, Parks

Community events canceled, air quality testing in progress as officials scramble to contain the health risk, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The massive fire broke out at a historical World War II-era blimp hangar in Tustin, California, early Tuesday, causing a health scare due to the release of asbestos from the charred debris.
Residents have been urged to stay indoors, nine parks have been closed and a Veterans Day event scheduled for the weekend was canceled to limit public exposure to ash and asbestos.
All school campuses in the Tustin Unified School District have been closed, with future plans on hold pending communication of important updates to the community.
Officials have found asbestos in preliminary samples of ash and debris. Southern California air-quality regulators are ongoingly assessing the levels of toxic gases and metals in the vicinity of the hangar.
The city's mayor has urged the U.S. Navy to speed up the demolition process of the hangar's remains to address health concerns and aesthetic issues. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.