Historic hangar in Edmonton destroyed by massive fire from WWII era

The historic Hangar 11 in Edmonton, a Second World War-era building, was engulfed in flames and smoke on Monday night, ultimately being destroyed by the fire. The building, located at 109th Street and 117th Avenue, was a significant part of the city’s history, sitting on the site of a former airport.

The call for the fire came in around 6:56 p.m., with 11 total crews on the scene battling the heavy smoke and flames. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident. Ryan Lee, curator at the Alberta Aviation Museum, witnessed a heartbreaking moment as a significant portion of the building collapsed before his eyes.

The hangar, constructed in 1942 in partnership with the U.S. military, played a crucial role in delivering aircraft and war materials to allied forces during the Second World War. It was one of the last surviving structures of its kind and held a lot of historical significance for the community.

Despite discussions of repurposing the building by a private company, Hangar 11 was unfortunately unable to be saved. The loss of this designated Municipal Heritage Resource and one of the country’s 10 most endangered buildings is a devastating blow to Edmonton’s history and heritage.

Transit service to the NAIT-Blatchford Market LRT station was temporarily cancelled but was expected to reopen late Monday. The community mourns the destruction of this iconic building and the rich history it held.