A dramatic fire erupted Wednesday afternoon at Fullerton Municipal Airport, prompting a massive response from firefighters and affecting airport operations.
Why it matters: The fire, which broke out shortly after noon, raised safety concerns and disrupted flights at the busy airport.
The fire ignited near the intersection of Magnolia and Commonwealth avenues, sending thick black smoke high into the air.
The event led to the temporary closure of the airport, grounding departing flights and halting incoming traffic.
Airport manager Brendan O'Reilly confirmed that the runway was closed as a precaution due to smoke billowing across the final approach.
Driving the news: Firefighters received a call about the blaze at 12:04 p.m., quickly mobilizing to combat the flames.
Crews battled a three-alarm fire at a shoe factory, Capri Shoes, located just outside airport property.
Firefighters attacked the flames from the roof and utilized ladder trucks to effectively manage the situation.
By around 1:30 p.m., the FAA reported that the airport was operating normally again.
State of play: The fire caused a brief shutdown of the airport, but no injuries were reported among employees or nearby residents.
About 25 employees were inside the warehouse when they smelled gas and heard explosions, prompting their evacuation.
Firefighters successfully rescued several kittens from the area during their operations.
The fire was contained to the back of the building, and efforts were complicated by the summer heat.
The big picture: Fullerton Municipal Airport, founded in 1927, serves as a regional relief airport in Orange County with a capacity for 600 planes.
The airport is located just a couple of miles from major attractions like Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with details about how it started still unclear.
Firefighters are continuing to monitor the situation to prevent any flare-ups.
What they're saying: Officials have provided updates on the situation, emphasizing the safety of workers and residents.
“Due to the heavy volume of fire and smoke, the airport was precautionarily shut down due to visibility,” said Fullerton Deputy Fire Chief Michael Meacham.
“The biggest challenge today is just the weather conditions, the heat and the stress on the firefighters operating with a stubborn fire like that,” Meacham added.
By the numbers: Key statistics surrounding the incident highlight its scale and impact.
Approximately 25 employees were evacuated without injury from the warehouse.
The fire was reported shortly after noon, with a full response mobilized shortly thereafter.
Firefighters managed to contain the blaze to the back of the building, preventing broader damage.
What's next: Investigations into the fire's cause will continue, with officials expected to release more information as it becomes available.
Fire crews will remain on-site to monitor the area for any potential hazards or flare-ups.
Airport operations are set to return to normal, barring any unforeseen complications.
Residents and businesses in the vicinity will be updated on safety measures and any necessary precautions.