Tustin schools won’t reopen until experts assess hangar fire’s impact on schools

“Envirocheck, a certified asbestos company, will conduct testing at all of our campuses,” Tustin Unified School District Superintendent Mark Johnson said in a written statement.

As environmental tests return negative results, “parents will be notified” when classes will resume at each school.

Johnson stressed that all schools will be accepting before staff and students arrive Strict cleaning proceduresespecially hard surfaces.

To give you an idea of ​​when they will reopen, they are reportedly divided into three colors that determine the risk of contamination. under the shade The area furthest from the hangar was clustered, and no presence of debris or ash from the fire was reported.

yellow Other schools remain in the area near the old Naval Base in Tustin.

Red These are the only two schools of color that may take the longest to reopen because of their proximity to the incident: Traditional Elementary Schools and Traditional Magnet Colleges.

Parents and guardians who need to confirm school status can Go to this special page This led to the creation of the Tustin Unified School District.

The fire broke out at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, November 7, in one of the two hangars built entirely of wood and steel in 1942, causing the Tustin school to be closed.

it is about North hangar, a 17-story architectural gem that is 1,000 feet long and 300 feet wide.Its goal was to accommodate submarines during the war Second World War

a former U.S. Navy base located in Tustin.

How did the fire happen and what was its cause? Orange County authorities are still investigating.They are asking anyone with information about the case Call 714-573-3225. To leave a tip anonymously, you can call 855-847-6227.

Orange County firefighters try Fighting flames by air and land. Later, they changed their strategies until they became extinct.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an alert Wednesday. Tests of rubble and ash from the area revealed the presence of asbestos, so caution is needed.

This material is used in construction as insulation and when damaged or burned Release fibers and particles into the air This immediately makes it a health risk.

The results are not always immediate, but asbestos inhalation It is associated with the development of a range of diseases from severe allergiesbronchitis, emphysema and lung cancer.

Orange County Health Department Director Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong said, “Everyone should know the steps recommended to reduce the health effects of smoke and ash during fires.”

Those working outdoors and exposed to wind must take precautions. Wearing a mask is a no-brainer, but what else can you do?

* Do not touch the ashes of a fire. Also do not try to take away any “historical” mementos as these materials are contaminated and can affect your health.

*Wear gloves if you are in an area where you may encounter fire debris or think there is ash.

* Please remove your shoes before entering your home until the situation is under control.

* If the day is windy, please close the windows.

*Put down the broom. Instead of cleaning your yard, water it.

*No leaf blowers these days.

* Clean ash from everything outside the house: cars, toys, furniture, even pets.

Envirocheck began cleaning the community last Thursday. Those who find any fire-related debris are asked to call 714-937-0750 so that experts handling the material can responsibly collect it.

For its part, Orange County will provide information about emergencies via a number 714-628-7085.