A fire broke out late Thursday night at the Griffith/Merrillville Airport causing the roof of one of the hangars to collapse.
A Lake County Sheriff’s Department officer on patrol reported a small fire around 11:30 p.m. and firefighters from nine area departments responded to the scene.
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A release from the sheriff’s office said no one was injured and the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s office was on the scene investigating to determine the cause of the blaze and any aircraft damage.
Gary/Chicago International Airport executive director Dan Vicari said the fire was contained, although he didn’t offer an estimate on the damages or their extent. He said no personnel or tenants were injured and the fire was quickly contained by firefighters.
“We are thankful for their swift, efficient and professional actions to control this incident and the site has been secured,” Vicari said.
Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. credited the county police officer for spotting the blaze in a press release and also praised firefighters. “I appreciate all first responders who assisted with securing the area and fighting this fire. Their skill and dedication helped to prevent this situation from becoming worse,” Martinez said.
Firefighters extinguished the flames about 3:30 a.m. Friday but remained to watch for hotspots or areas that may have rekindled.
The hangar and aircraft used by the sheriff’s department were not damaged, officials said.
The Gary/Chicago International Airport purchased the Griffith-Merrillville Airport at 1705 E Main St., in a $1.8 million deal in December of last year.
Officials said they used existing revenue previously budgeted for the purchase.
The airport is managed by Craig Anderson, one of its owners who took part in the sale. Anderson will also continue to operate his fixed base operator business that serves about 65 business and recreational small plane owners.
Gary airport officials said the Griffith/Merrillville airport would serve as a “reliever” for small plane traffic to allow the Gary/Chicago International Airport to keep its focus on larger cargo and commercial planes.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.