http://www.detnews.com/2004/metro/0410/09/metro-298585.htm
http://www.yankeeairmuseum.org/
http://www.airliners.net/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/1772132/
http://www.freep.com/news/latestnews/pm713_20041009.htm
The fire at the hangar used by the museum was reported at 6:28 p.m. and was burning out of control more than an hour later, Parks said. Firefighters from a half-dozen local departments were assisting the airport fire department in trying to control the blaze.
A number of Yankee Air Museum-owned aircraft parked near the hangar were not damaged.
According to a posting on airliners.net “the B-17, B-25, and C-47 were saved, but nothing else in the hangar. I think there was a Stinson, C-45, and a Bronco in there that may have burned. The Hangar and museum are a total loss, still burning as we speak. Hundreds of artifacts and engines, and tool and parts are most likely destroyed.”
At least no injuries have been reported.
By: Mark12 - 10th October 2004 at 20:17
Press Release from The Yankee Air Museum
PRESS RELEASE
October 10,2004
The Yankee Air Museum at Willow Run Airport suffered a disastrous fire
last night that destroyed the historic hangar that housed the museum.
The museum staff was able to move the historic B-17, C-47 and B-25
aircraft out of the building, thus saving the heart of the collection.
In addition, all the historic aircraft on display outside of the main
building were untouched by the fire. While many irreplaceable artifacts,
photos and books were lost in the fire, the Volunteers at the museum are
thankful that the aircraft collection remains largely intact. Only a
small number of non-flyable aircraft that were in restoration inside the
hanger were lost.
The Yankee Air Museum members, staff and volunteers are determined to
rebuild the museum facilities and continue the great work that was begun
in 1981 by a small group of visionaries who were dedicated to preserving
this important piece of aviation and Southeastern Michigan history.
The Michigan Aerospace Foundation, the sister organization of the museum
which was formed to plan and fund future expansion of the museum
facilities, will now be working hard to raise the necessary funds to
re-build the museum as soon as possible. Working with Willow Run Airport
and the Yankee Air Museum, the Foundation will be seeking funding and
other help from Foundations, Corporations and Individuals as it works to
replace what has been lost.
The Yankee Air Museum and the Michigan Aerospace Foundation would like
to ask that anyone with an interest in helping to rebuild the museum,
please contact the Foundation.
A help hotline can be reached at 734-483-4030.
The following people can be contacted to offer your support:
For the Museum, contact:
– Yankee Air Museum President, Jon Stevens 734-637-2117
– Yankee Air Museum Vice President, **** Stewart 734-637-8878
For the Foundation, contact:
– Michigan Aerospace Foundation President, Dennis Norton 734-971-2750
– Michigan Aerospace Foundation Treasurer, Uary Brown, 734-316-2216
Donations may be sent directly to the Michigan Aerospace Foundation
Michigan Aerospace Foundation, Yankee Air Museum Recovery Fund, P.O. Box
8282, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-8282
Thank you for your help,
Dennis Norton
President Michigan Aerospace Foundation
The Michigan Aerospace Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt
organization.
By: Kye - 10th October 2004 at 16:29
I heard about this, but bloody hell i didnt know the fire was still going. That picture is quite harrowing as well. 🙁
By: ...starfire - 10th October 2004 at 16:06
http://forum.keypublishing.co.uk/showthread.php?t=32998
Bad news, indeed.
By: duxfordhawk - 10th October 2004 at 15:19
Terrible news glad nobody hurt hope the losses are not too serious.
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October 10, 2004 at 2:50 pm