News Summary
Tustin officials have announced the completion of cleanup operations following the fire at the north blimp hangar, nearly two years after the incident. The fire, which lasted for 24 days, left the historic structure in ruins and forced extensive cleanup efforts that exceeded $105 million. The Navy has taken the lead in these operations, focusing on removing hazardous waste. As discussions continue about the future redevelopment of the Tustin Legacy area, local officials aim to align efforts with community interests as they seek input on potential projects.
Tustin officials have announced that the cleanup following the fire at the north blimp hangar has been completed nearly two years after the incident. The fire, which broke out shortly after midnight on November 7, 2023, raged for 24 days, leaving the historic 80-year-old structure in ruins and triggering extensive cleanup operations.
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire, which resulted in the spread of ash and contaminated debris across more than six miles, significantly impacting nearby schools, neighborhoods, and local businesses. The overall response effort has exceeded $105 million, with approximately $104.5 million billed to the Navy and other federal agencies. As of September 16, 2025, the Navy has paid around $79.4 million toward these cleanup costs.
Emergency Cleanup Operations
The city of Tustin undertook emergency cleanup operations in partnership with the Navy, which owns the property where the hangar was located. The Navy’s cleanup efforts focused on removing hazardous waste and debris and took nearly a year to complete. To mitigate potential risks, the city also invested over $1.4 million in security measures, including the installation of a vinyl fence around the remains of the southern hangar.
Despite the extensive damage to the structure, parts known as the hangar’s “ribs” and the four large concrete towers have been left standing while discussions about future site usage are ongoing. Local officials are now shifting their attention to potential redevelopment of the area, particularly the broader Tustin Legacy project.
Future Redevelopment Plans
Redevelopment talks are gaining momentum around Tustin Legacy, a mixed-use project covering approximately 1,600 acres of the former marine base. The development already includes over 4,200 homes, shopping centers, schools, government facilities, and public parks, with about 500 acres remaining without development.
Mayor Austin Lombardi emphasized the opportunity that exists for community redevelopment, pointing out the significant undeveloped land available for potential growth. Nonetheless, complications arise because not all property within the area is owned by the city; notably, the blimp hangar sites are still under Navy ownership, which complicates decision-making processes related to future developments.
Community Engagement and Future Directions
The city is currently updating a reuse plan for the Navy to outline guidelines for future development and land transfer. As part of this process, public input has been actively solicited through open houses, surveys, and community meetings. This ongoing engagement aims to ensure that the redevelopment aligns with community interests and needs.
The fate of the southern hangar remains uncertain as it will depend on the community’s willingness to invest in its preservation. Decisions regarding redevelopment will continue to evolve as city officials seek input from residents and consider all available options for maximizing the potential of the Tustin Legacy area.
City officials remain hopeful that the redevelopment of the Tustin Legacy area will not only restore but also enhance the community landscape, providing vital resources and facilities for local residents in the future.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Tustin Eyes Redevelopment of Historic Site
- LAist: Tustin Hangar Fire Cause Investigated
- KTLA: OC Hangar Fire and Potential Copper Thieves
- Stripes: Tustin Blimp Hangar Cleanup Costs
- Stripes: Costs Incurred from Tustin Hangar Fire Clean-Up
- Wikipedia: Tustin Airfield
- Google Search: Tustin Hangar Fire
- Google Scholar: Tustin Legacy Redevelopment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tustin, California
- Google News: Tustin Hangar Fire
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
