Tustin Schools to Stay Closed Monday to Assess Health Impact of Air Base Fire

Orange County firefighters battle a fire affecting the north hangar at the Tustin Air Base in Tustin, Calif. on Nov. 7, 2023. Paul Bersebach/The Orange County Register via AP

TUSTIN, Calif.—Schools in the Tustin Unified School District (TUSD) in Orange County will remain closed Nov. 13 while an assessment is made of the environmental impact on each campus from a fire that destroyed one of two massive World War II blimp hangars at the former Tustin Air Base.

“We have secured a certified asbestos consulting firm, Envirocheck, to conduct testing at all TUSD campuses,” District officials said. “Envirocheck is well-respected in the field of environmental inspection and analysis and we are grateful for their partnership. Their expertise in testing and remediation of environmental concerns will guide our next steps for reopening our campuses. Our top priority remains getting our students and staff safely back on campus.”