A large fire has broken out at the Grade II-listed Hangar 3 at Old Sarum Airfield in Wiltshire, prompting urgent warnings from local authorities. The blaze ignited just before 7 PM on April 17, 2025, with thick smoke seen billowing from the structure, leading Dorset & Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service to advise residents to keep their windows closed and stay indoors.
As firefighters rushed to the scene, they faced significant challenges. Crews from Amesbury, Salisbury, Ludgershall, Andover, and Ringwood were all in attendance, battling the flames which had spread to an adjacent building, including the Hangar 3 Restaurant & Café. Eyewitnesses reported flames towering up to 20 feet above the hangar, creating a dramatic scene that captured the attention of onlookers.
According to a statement from the fire service, the building had partially collapsed, complicating efforts to extinguish the fire. A command unit from Devizes was deployed to assist in managing the situation. By 5:44 AM on April 18, the incident was scaled back to two fire appliances, with crews remaining on site to dampen down any remaining hotspots.
Local residents were warned about potential hazards from unknown chemicals that may be present in the burning structure. The fire service emphasized the importance of keeping windows and doors shut to avoid inhaling smoke and harmful substances. “Due to the potential for unknown chemicals, please stay inside and keep your windows closed to avoid the smoke,” the fire service stated.
In a concerning turn of events, several individuals reportedly obstructed emergency workers as they attempted to tackle the blaze. Wiltshire Police confirmed that some people were interfering with emergency operations in an effort to take photos of the fire. Authorities urged the public to respect cordons in place, stating, “Please avoid the area and respect cordons - they are in place to protect you.”
The fire at Old Sarum comes shortly after developers received planning permission to build 315 homes on the site, although Hangar 3 was to remain intact as part of the agreement. The owners of the airfield had been instructed to make necessary repairs to the hangar as part of the planning approval process. Now, the fate of this historic structure hangs in the balance as investigations into the cause of the fire are underway.
Witnesses have shared their shock and sadness over the incident, with a representative from the Save Old Sarum group expressing their dismay on social media. “An incredibly sad evening. The grade-II* listed Hangar 3 is ablaze,” they tweeted, highlighting the community’s loss.
Firefighters worked throughout the night, utilizing multiple hose reel jets and mains lines to combat the flames. As the situation unfolded, the fire service issued regular updates, confirming that no casualties had been reported. However, the condition of the nearby GoSkyDive centre, located adjacent to the café, remained unconfirmed.
As the fire was brought under control, authorities began to assess the damage and investigate the cause. They have called for anyone who was in the area shortly before the fire ignited, between 6 PM and 6:30 PM on April 17, to come forward with information. “Anyone who was in the area shortly before the fire began is asked to contact 101 quoting log 262 of today’s date,” a police spokesperson stated.
The community is now left grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event. The Old Sarum Airfield, a site rich in history, has seen a significant loss with the destruction of Hangar 3, a building that has stood for decades. As investigations continue, residents are left to reflect on the importance of preserving such historical structures amidst modern development.
In the wake of the fire, local officials are expected to hold discussions regarding the future of the airfield and Hangar 3. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of heritage sites and the need for careful consideration in their preservation. While the flames have been extinguished, the community's mourning for what was lost has only just begun.
