Swift, Scalable Response for a Historic Disaster: IEM Responds to Tustin’s Hanger Fire  

When one of the nation’s most significant wooden structures ignited, the City of Tustin required more than a consultant. They needed an experienced, rapidly deployable partner capable of leading operations, coordinating dozens of agencies, and driving a complex recovery to completion. IEM delivered exactly that. 

The Incident: A Historic Fire with Far-Reaching Consequences 

In November 2023, a devastating fire consumed the historic Navy North Hangar at the former Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) in Tustin, California. Originally built during World War II to house Pacific-patrol blimps, the hangar was a massive, historical landmark. Its destruction triggered a high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional response spanning a six-square-mile radius. The mission required immediate, high-level coordination across local, state, and federal regulatory entities to protect thousands of residents and properties. 

Recognizing the Need: Bridging Response and Recovery 

The City of Tustin required immediate staffing support for its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to manage the critical transition from active response to long-term recovery. Priorities were immense: air quality monitoring and testing, large-scale debris removal, and hazardous material remediation, all while navigating a dense web of federal, state, and local compliance requirements. 

The IEM Approach: Embedded Leadership and Rapid Mobilization 

IEM met the challenge by deploying three personnel within 24 hours, quickly scaling to a 15 person team of onsite and remote experts. Our Incident Management Team (IMT) assumed vital leadership roles within the City’s EOC, including Incident Commander, Operations Section Chief, and Finance Section Chief. This provided the command structure necessary to manage a disaster of this magnitude. 

Our experts supported City officials through every operational phase: 

• Data monitoring and situational reporting 
• Resource management and logistics coordination 
• Expense tracking and reimbursement documentation 
• Recovery operations planning and execution 

By developing a comprehensive Statement of Work, IEM defined clear tasks, deliverables, timelines, and quality standards for all contractors, ensuring accountability and transparency throughout the recovery. 

Driving Results: Real-Time Data for Smarter Decisions 

IEM modernized the recovery process by integrating advanced technology into field operations. Our team deployed tablets equipped with Smartsheet forms, enabling the IMT to collect continuous data and maintain visibility across all sites. We further integrated Survey123 to track resident debris survey applications in real time. This tech-driven approach enabled leadership to dynamically adjust priorities, validate financial data in real time, and improve community outcomes at every stage. 

The IEM Impact: $102M Reconciled, 3,000+ Properties Remediated 

IEM’s results speak for themselves: 

• $102M+ in City expenses successfully reconciled for reimbursement from the Department of the Army 
• 3,000+ properties completed for both ground and above-ground remediation over 18 months to safeguard the community’s public health 
• Seamless transition from emergency response to long-term recovery was executed on time and in full coordination with all regulatory partners 

IEM’s ability to mobilize quickly, embed within the City’s command structure, and deliver innovative recovery solutions made a measurable difference for Tustin residents and the broader community. 

Why Emergency Managers Choose IEM for Rapid Response and Recovery Programs 

Jurisdictions chose IEM because we offer: 

• 24-hour deployment and command-ready leadership – Qualified to fill every major EOC section chief role from day one 
• Multi-agency coordination – Experienced navigating the full regulatory landscape across local, state, and federal partners  
• Technology-driven transparency and accountability – Real-time Smartsheet and Survey123 integration to track field data, vendor progress, and financial reconciliation  
• Proven financial stewardship – Expertise in expense documentation and reimbursement processes that delivered $102M+ back to the City 

Rapid mobilization. Proven leadership. Community-focused recovery. 

James Clark

Vice President of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

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Leigh Deskins

Director of Response

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