Large fire destroys hangar and buildings at Old Sarum Airfield

Emergency services were called to a large fire at Old Sarum Airfield on Thursday evening (17th April).

Large plumes of black smoke filled the skies from the mostly collapsed Hangar 3 at Old Sarum Airfield , and explosions have also been heard in the area.

The former hangar and the buildings close by, used by Go Skydive and Hangar 3 cafe, were affected by the fire, with firefighters working hard to try and control the blaze. Hangar 3 cafe and restaurant has been completely destroyed by the fire. 

No one has reported having been injured because of the fire. 

Crews from Amesbury, Salisbury, Ludgershall, Andover and Ringwood fire stations were at the scene, tackling the blaze. 

Video: Salisbury Radio/Andy Munns

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue service tackled the blaze and released the following statement: "Fire crews are currently attending a large fire at Old Sarum Airfield, Salisbury. Due to the potential for unknown chemicals, please stay inside and keep your windows closed to avoid the smoke."

They added, "We were called at 6.38pm today (17 April) to Lancaster Road, Old Sarum to reports of a building fire. Crews from Amesbury, Salisbury (x2), Ludgershall alongside crew from Andover and Ringwood (Hampshire and Isle of Wight FRS) are currently in attendance."

Later they said, "Additional crew and an aerial ladder platform from St Marys (Hampshire and Isle of Wight FRS) are also now in attendance."

Image: Salisbury Radio/Andy Munns

Aerial shots show the extent of the damage to the buildings that surrounded Hangar Three. 

The fire follows permission to build up to 315 homes and commercial and leisure facilities was granted at the historic airfield - https://www.salisburyradio.co.uk/news/local-news/airfield-decision-ill-get-my-late-father-who-is-scattered-up-there-to-do-a-haunting/. The plans were far from popular locally and had been rejected by Wiltshire Council, but granted by a government inspector. 

Old Sarum is one of only three former World War One airfields in the UK to retain its original grass strip and hangar buildings.

Members of Wiltshire Council's strategic planning committee voted unanimously against the proposals for the airfield on 14 August 2024. Old Sarum Airfield Ltd then lodged its appeal in October.

Grenville Hodge, Old Sarum Airfield Limited, told Salisbury Journal, "We're absolutely devastated. We just won the planning appeal and the first thing we were going to do was repair the hangar. It's just unbelievable. Hopefully, we haven't lost it."

Salisbury City Councillor and Old Sarum Airfield campaigner, Annie Riddle, said on Facebook, "I've campaigned for years with our friends on SOS - Save Old Sarum to protect the Grade 2* listed Hangar Three.

"Tonight this is what's become of it. I stood along with hundreds of onlookers as firefighters battled to keep the flames under control and huge black smoke clouds blew across the neighbouring housing estate.

"Desperately sad for those who earned their living in the cafe and skydiving centre. And for all of us who care about our little old wartime airfield."

Wiltshire Police said in a statement, "We are currently assisting the fire service in dealing with a large fire at Hangar 3, Old Sarum.

"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.

"Enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

"Anyone who was in the area shortly before the fire began, between 6pm and 6.30pm, is asked to contact 101 quoting log 262 of today's date (17/04)."

Image: Salisbury Radio/Andy Munns

A fire crew remained at the location early on Friday morning, damping out a few hot spots that were smouldering away. Fire services said at 6:30am "Overnight relief crews from Verwood, Shaftesbury, Blandford, Warminster, Ferndown, Cranborne, Westbury, Redhill Park, Gillingham and an aerial ladder platform from Swindon were on scene. Crews used multiple hose reel jets and main lines to extinguish and at 5.44am this morning, the incident was scaled back to two appliances. Remaining crews are now dampening down."