Fire tears through listed WWI airfield hangar sending possible asbestos into air (2025)

A historic First World War airfield is on fire with residents urgently warned to stay inside over fears asbestos is in the smoke.

Crews were called to Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury, Wiltshire, at 6.38pm on Thursday after a fire broke out at Grade II listed Hangar 3.

It took only two hours for the building to partially collapse, with flames spreading to the adjacent Hangar.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: ‘Due to the potential for unknown chemicals, please stay inside and keep your windows closed to avoid the smoke.’

No casualties have been reported.

The service added at 10pm: ‘Firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze which is affecting two partially derelict buildings.

‘They are using ground monitors and an aerial ladder platform to extinguish.

‘Due to the age of the building, we suspect the smoke plume may contain asbestos but investigations are ongoing.

‘Local residents are advised to please keep windows and doors shut and stay inside as a precaution due to the smoke in the area.’

Multiple crews from Amesbury, Salisbury, Ludgershall, Andover and Ringwood have been involved in the operation.

The blaze comes just a week after plans for up to 315 homes to be built on the site were approved following a lengthy planning dispute.

The airfield, which lies within the setting of a scheduled monument, is recognised by the government as a nationally important archaeological site.

Planning approval had included a requirement for the airfield operators to repair Hangar 3, which suffered structural damage during Storm Isha in January.

In its decision, the Planning Inspectorate said the heritage benefits of the scheme ‘outweighed’ the potential harm.

Hangar 3 is one of seven at the Old Sarum site, which initially served as a training depot station for day bombing raids during the First World War.

By 1919, it was also home to the School of Army Co-Operation.

Wiltshire Police, who are assisting at the scene, warned the public not to cross safety cordons.

A spokesperson said: ‘Several people have been obstructing emergency workers in an attempt to take photos of the burning building.

‘Please avoid the area and respect cordons – they are in place to protect you.’

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