Several hangars at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in Kearny Mesa went up in flames early Friday, sending a thick column of smoke over the airfield and triggering a major response from firefighters. Crews rushed in after the first calls came in before dawn, and officials classified the incident as a two-alarm fire affecting more than one hangar. There were no immediate reports of injuries, and city and fire officials said it was not yet clear how airport operations might be affected while crews worked to secure the area.
According to KGTV, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department reported that the fire broke out around 3:45 AM, with firefighters arriving on scene at about 3:52 AM. The department sent 69 personnel to tackle the two-alarm blaze, concentrating on keeping the flames from jumping to neighboring buildings. KGTV noted that the situation remained active as crews worked through lingering hot spots.
Where This Happened
Montgomery-Gibbs, often referred to as Montgomery Field, is the city-owned general aviation airport in Kearny Mesa that serves flight schools, fixed-base operators and fueling facilities. The City of San Diego lists operational details and airport staff contacts for the field. That mix of tenants, aircraft and stored equipment helps explain why a hangar fire draws such a large, multi-unit response from both fire and airport crews.
Response on the Ground
Photos and video from early coverage showed heavy smoke billowing from the hangar area and multiple fire units spread across the ramp, and KGTV described the scene as a two-alarm assignment with dozens of firefighters at work. Crews used a mix of exterior attack and defensive tactics to box in the blaze and stop it from extending to more structures, according to reports from the scene. As of the latest updates, investigators had not yet identified a cause.
Why It Matters
Airport hangars typically house aircraft, maintenance materials and fueling infrastructure, so a single fire can threaten multiple high-value assets and make suppression efforts far more complicated. The city has documented hangar and air-operations work at Montgomery-Gibbs, including new hangar space and fueling infrastructure, on its project pages, and the FAA lists MYF as a busy general aviation airport. Quickly containing a fire in this setting is key to limiting property damage and preventing broader operational disruptions.
What to Watch Next
Investigators have not yet announced a cause, and officials have not reported any injuries, with more details expected as crews wrap up work at the scene and investigators begin a full review. For official updates, check the San Diego Fire-Rescue incident feed and local broadcasters' live coverage. We will update this report when authorities release additional information.
