News Summary
A devastating fire erupted at the historic Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury, Wiltshire, engulfing Grade II listed Hangar 3. Firefighters battled the flames for hours, and residents were advised to stay indoors due to potential asbestos concerns. The site recently received approval for housing development, stirring community emotions. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, as the airfield, a site of historical significance, faces significant destruction.
Historic Old Sarum Airfield Engulfed in Flames as Onlookers Evacuate
The tranquil atmosphere of the historic Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury, Wiltshire, was shattered on Thursday evening as a destructive fire tore through Grade II listed Hangar 3. The blaze, which erupted at approximately 6:38 PM, quickly escalated, causing a collapse within two hours and affecting adjacent structures.
Firefighters Battle Inferno
Emergency services from the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service raced to the scene, employing ground monitors and an aerial ladder platform in a determined effort to quell the flames. Fire crews from multiple towns—Amesbury, Salisbury, Ludgershall, Andover, and Ringwood—joined forces to battle the substantial fire that had engulfed not only Hangar 3 but had also spread to a nearby hangar.
Residents in the vicinity were urged to remain indoors as a safety precaution, amid fears of potential asbestos being present in the smoke due to the age of the structures involved. No casualties have been reported, but the fast-moving fire compelled local authorities to enforce strict safety measures.
A Community in Shock
The fire comes just a week after the site received planning approval for the development of up to 315 homes, following a lengthy planning dispute. This development was supposed to breathe new life into Old Sarum Airfield, which holds significant historical and archaeological importance. Once a valuable military asset, Hangar 3 served as a training depot for bombing raids during World War I and later hosted the School of Army Co-Operation by 1919.
Damage and Destruction
As the fire smoldered into the night, substantial damage was reported not only to Hangar 3 but also to a nearby restaurant and café, leaving many in the community feeling a deep sense of loss. The devastation has been termed “heartbreaking” by local groups, including GoSkydive, which operates at the airfield and relies on its historical backdrop.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that a large plume of smoke could be seen from miles away, drawing attention from the local community. Fire crews continued their efforts to extinguish the blaze well into Friday morning, as smoke lingered over the site.
Investigation Underway
As the flames were finally brought under control, the focus shifted to uncovering the cause of this catastrophic fire. An investigation is currently ongoing, with officials indicating that it may take several days to determine the exact circumstances that led to this significant loss. The response from Wiltshire Police has emphasized the need for the public to respect safety cordons, as some bystanders showed obstructive behavior at the scene.
Preserving Our Heritage
The Old Sarum Airfield is recognized as a nationally important archaeological site. Just months prior to the fire, operators were mandated to conduct repairs on Hangar 3 due to structural damage caused by Storm Isha earlier in the year. Now, the airfield, which once played a pivotal role in aviation history, stands in ruins—a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of preservation efforts.
As the community grapples with this tragic event, the enduring legacy of Old Sarum Airfield remains at the forefront of many minds—a site not only of historical significance but also a source of local pride and identity that is now forever changed.
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