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Schools And Parks Closed In Tustin After Debris From Tustin Hangar Fire Tested Positive For Asbestos

By  Gillian Morán Pérez
Updated Nov 9, 2023 12:12 PM
Published Nov 9, 2023 9:53 AM
In foregraound a massive hangar is intact, to the top right a twin structure is in ruins with smoke still rising
A historic blimp hangar, right, burns in Tustin on Nov. 7, 2023. Authorities now say asbestos has been found in the building materials, leading to a number of closures.
(
Jae C. Hong
/
AP
)
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What you should know

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.

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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.

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.

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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:

  • 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 https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/air-cleaners-and-air-filters-home 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.

Read more about the fire:

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