The historic airfield in Salisbury became the scene of devastation as a major fire destroyed a Grade II*-listed World War One aircraft hangar on Thursday evening. Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine what caused the blaze that engulfed the structure at Old Sarum Airfield, located on Lancaster Road. The incident has deeply impacted the local community, with residents expressing shock at the scale of destruction witnessed at this historically significant site.
Massive blaze destroys historic aircraft hangar at Salisbury airfield
The fire that erupted at Old Sarum Airfield on Thursday evening completely destroyed a Grade II*-listed World War One aircraft hangar, causing extensive damage to the historic structure. Local resident Amy Ore reported seeing “a massive plume of smoke” rising from the site, indicating the severity of the blaze. “I didn’t anticipate the scale of it,” she remarked, echoing the sentiments of many community members who witnessed the incident.
Sue Ford, who operates a flower shop near the airfield, described the terrifying scene: “It was scary, really. It was raging, could feel the heat from here. You just couldn’t believe it was happening.” The fire’s intensity was so great that it also consumed the adjacent restaurant and café facilities, compounding the loss for the local community.
By Friday afternoon, the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service reported that fire crews had left the scene with only “wisps of smoke rising from the rubble” remaining. The immediate emergency response has been praised for preventing further spread of the fire, though the primary hangar structure couldn’t be saved.
This incident bears similarities to other safety concerns in the area, including a separate incident where a boy falls ill after feeding ducks with Novichok victim Skripal, highlighting ongoing public safety challenges in Salisbury.
Investigation underway to determine cause of Salisbury fire
Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into what sparked the devastating blaze at the historic airfield. Police and fire investigation teams are currently examining the site to establish whether the fire was accidental or if other factors were involved. This process typically involves:
- Forensic examination of the fire scene
- Collection of evidence and debris samples
- Interviewing witnesses and first responders
- Analysis of fire patterns and spread characteristics
- Assessment of potential ignition sources
During the emergency response, Wiltshire Police reported that curious onlookers were hampering efforts by emergency workers. In a statement, police noted that people were “getting in the way of emergency workers in an attempt to take photos of the burning building” and urged the public to “avoid the area and respect cordons – they are in place to protect you.”
Gary Squires, director of Old Sarum Airfield Ltd, expressed that the company was cooperating fully with the authorities while awaiting investigation outcomes. “Our immediate focus is on supporting the investigation and assessing the extent of the damage,” he stated, while thanking emergency services for their “swift and professional response” which managed to save the hangar’s brickwork and some parachuting equipment.
Timing raises questions as development plans were recently approved
The timing of the fire has raised eyebrows in the community, as it occurred just one week after developers received approval for a significant housing project on the airfield site. Old Sarum Airfield Ltd had recently secured permission to build up to 315 homes at the location following what has been described as a battle for approval.
This coincidental timing has prompted discussion among local residents, though authorities have not indicated any connection between the development approval and the fire incident. The investigation will determine if there are any relevant factors linking these events.
| Timeline Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Housing Development Approval | One week before fire (approximately April 11, 2025) |
| Fire Incident | Thursday evening, April 17, 2025 |
| Fire Service Departure | Friday afternoon, April 18, 2025 |
| Investigation Launch | Immediately following the incident |
The Save Old Sarum group, which has actively campaigned against development on the airfield land, expressed their distress over the situation. A spokesperson for the group stated: “We are deeply saddened by the fire at Hangar 3 and café at Old Sarum Airfield, and we praise the swift response by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service in containing the fire.” They emphasized that the loss extends beyond the local community, describing it as a significant loss for the entire nation given the historical importance of the site.
Historical significance amplifies community response to airfield disaster
The destruction of the Grade II*-listed World War One aircraft hangar represents more than just physical damage; it signifies the loss of an important piece of British aviation heritage. The historical significance of Old Sarum Airfield has made the community’s response particularly emotional, with many expressing grief over the loss of this cultural landmark.
The Grade II* listing indicates that the structure was of particular architectural or historical interest, placing it among the top 8% of listed buildings in the United Kingdom. Such designations are reserved for buildings of exceptional importance, making the fire’s impact all the more significant in terms of cultural heritage loss.
As investigations continue into the cause of the Salisbury airfield fire, authorities are committed to determining what led to this destructive incident. The community remains hopeful that lessons will be learned to prevent similar occurrences at other historical sites in the future, while simultaneously coming to terms with the loss of a beloved local landmark that had stood since the First World War era.
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