Parks and schools closed due to the asbestos in the Tustin Hangar fire smoke

(Santa Ana, CA) — Smoke and ash from the recent fire at a hangar located at the former Marine Corps Air Station Tustin may pose a health risk to some Orange County (OC) residents in the immediate and adjacent vicinity. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued a Smoke Advisory for the Tustin area indicating that air quality will be variable through Wednesday as wind conditions change.
 
“Everyone should be aware of the recommended precautions to reduce the health effects of smoke and ash from building fires,” said Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong, County Health Officer and OC Health Care Agency’s Director of Public Health Services. “Extra measures may be needed for those with pre-existing medical conditions like heart or lung disease, those with disabilities, older adults, children, and those who may be working outdoors.”
 
If you are being impacted by windblown smoke, dust or ash, the OC Health Care Agency suggests these precautions:

• Try to limit your exposure by remaining indoors, with windows and doors closed or seek alternative shelter to reduce exposure to smoke and ash.
• Avoid touching ash as ash from burned structures is generally more hazardous than forest ash.
  • Limit or avoid activities that will displace ash into the air.
  • Avoid direct contact with ash. If you get ash on your skin, in your eyes, or in your mouth, wash it off as soon as you can.
  • People with heart or lung disease, including asthma, older adults, children, and pregnant women should use special caution around ash.
  • Children and pets: Children should not be nearby while you clean up ash. Do not allow children to play in ash. Clean ash off all children’s toys before use. Clean ash off pets and other animals.
• Avoid vigorous activity.
• Run your air conditioner or air purifier. If possible do NOT use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air.
• If you are going to be outside, a properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator may provide some protection.
• Keep your airways (nose and mouth) moist by drinking extra amounts of water.
• People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors.
• Seek medical attention if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue.
• Minimize exposure to other sources of indoor air pollution- avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves – including candles or incense.

For more information on reducing health risks from wildfire smoke and ash, visit the AQMD Wildfire Smoke and Ash Safety Tips webpage and follow updated Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in your area.

UPDATE: Tustin Hangar Fire: Fire Debris Testing Indicates Asbestos, City Closes Parks Near Hangars

The City of Tustin continues to coordinate with local, state and federal partners to monitor and respond to the Tustin Hangar Fire. To better coordinate response and needs within the Tustin community, the City has activated our Emergency Operations Center.  

Fire Debris Testing 

This evening, the City received preliminary results of samples of debris and ash collected by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) in public areas near the hangar. According to the AQMD information, preliminary testing indicates the presence of asbestos. At the time of this communication, the City is awaiting final reports from AQMD. 

Recommendations for Tustin’s Community Members 

The safety of the Tustin community is our top priority.  

The public is urged to follow the precautions outlined by the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) when coming in contact with any debris or ash.  

• Try to limit your exposure by remaining indoors, with windows and doors closed or seek alternative shelter to reduce exposure to smoke and ash.
• Avoid touching ash as ash from burned structures is generally more hazardous than forest ash.
• Limit or avoid activities that will displace ash into the air.
• Avoid direct contact with ash. If you get ash on your skin, in your eyes, or in your mouth, wash it off as soon as you can.
• People with heart or lung disease, including asthma, older adults, children, and pregnant women should use special caution around ash.
• Children and pets: Children should not be nearby while you clean up ash. Do not allow children to play in ash. Clean ash off all children’s toys before use. Clean ash off pets and other animals.
• Avoid vigorous activity.
• Run your air conditioner or air purifier. If possible, do NOT use swamp coolers or whole house fans that bring in outside air.
• If you are going to be outside, a properly fitted N95 or P100 respirator may provide some protection.
• Keep your airways (nose and mouth) moist by drinking extra amounts of water.
• People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors.
• Seek medical attention if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue.
• Minimize exposure to other sources of indoor air pollution- avoid using anything that burns, such as wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves – including candles or incense.

Air Quality Testing 

South Coast AQMD also collected air samples in areas in and around hangar, which are being analyzed further for toxic gases and metals.  The City is awaiting final test results from South Coast AQMD and updated information from the County Health Care Agency. We will continue to provide more information as it becomes available.   

Temporary Tustin Park Closures/Event Cancellations/Tustin Schools Closures 

At the recommendation of the Orange County Health Care Agency and out of an abundance of caution, the City is closing the following parks (effective immediately) and recommending that community members limit outdoor activities unless alerted otherwise. 

Tustin Park Closures (effective Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023)  

• 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

Tustin Event Cancellations (effective Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023)  

• Veterans’ Day Celebration & Car Show on Saturday, Nov. 11

Tustin Unified School District Closures (effective Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023)  

• For an updated list of school closures, please visit the Tustin Unified School District’s website at www.tustin.k12.ca.us.

Questions 

• For more information regarding air quality or health effects of smoke/ash, Tustin community members are encouraged to contact the OCHCA directly at 714-834-2178.
• For more information on reducing health risks from wildfire smoke and ash, visit the AQMD Wildfire Smoke and Ash Safety Tips webpage and follow updated Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in your area.
• Visit our website at www.tustinca.org for more information.

Irvine Regional Park and Peters Canyon Regional Park will also be closed Thursday, November 9 out of an abundance of caution due to poor air quality.