[T]he Vermont Air National Guard is investigating the cause of a rooftop fire on an aircraft hangar that briefly closed Burlington International Airport Monday.
Guard spokesperson Lt. Chelsea Clark said the fire on top of Building 150 was first reported a little after 12:30 p.m. The building was under the control of contractors who were preparing the facility for the placement of F-35 fighter jets next year, and has no current aircraft-based operations.
First responders on the scene included the Vermont Air National Guard Fire Department, South Burlington Fire Department, Essex Rescue and a tower truck from the Burlington Fire Department.
The blaze appeared to have begun from contractor’s welding operations, according to the Air Guard fire department’s initial assessment. Officials believe sparks from that work may have ignited the roof.
Clark said the fire took approximately 30 minutes to extinguish, and fire officials left the scene at 2:30 p.m. The building is back in control of the contractors.
The airport was closed for about 25 minutes as crews responded to flames and heavy smoke.
Two emergency responders were treated on-site for heat-related injuries, according to Clark. No serious injuries were reported.
Clark declined to disclose any details about the extent of the damage and said the matter would be explored in the investigation.
