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Whitehall Today
By the People, for the People
Blaze Erupts at John Glenn International Airport
Fire contained after early morning incident at Columbus airport hangar
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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A fire broke out in the early hours of the morning at John Glenn Columbus International Airport on Friday the 13th. Just before 3:00 A.M, Airport Rescue and Firefighting crews responded to a blaze at a hangar on the airport grounds used for storage and unoccupied offices. Firefighter crews from Columbus, Whitehall, and Mifflin Township reported to the scene and contained the fire before 6:30 A.M. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and the majority of the damage was reportedly contained to unoccupied office spaces.
Why it matters
Airport fires can pose significant risks to public safety and disrupt critical transportation infrastructure. While the damage appears to have been limited, any incident at a major airport like John Glenn Columbus International raises concerns about security, emergency response capabilities, and the overall resilience of the region's air travel network.
The details
The building that caught fire is a hangar on the airport grounds used for storage and unoccupied offices. Firefighter crews from Columbus, Whitehall, and Mifflin Township responded to the 3 A.M. alarm and were able to contain the blaze before 6:30 A.M. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and the majority of the damage was reportedly limited to unoccupied office spaces within the hangar.
- The fire broke out just before 3:00 A.M. on Friday, February 13, 2026.
- Firefighter crews responded to the scene and contained the fire before 6:30 A.M. on Friday morning.
The players
Daren A. Griffin
President & CEO of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority.
What they’re saying
“We are incredibly grateful for the swift and professional response of our firefighters and our emergency partners. Their efforts helped contain the fire quickly and prevented any impact on airport operations. Our thoughts are with the firefighter who sustained minor injuries during the response, and we wish him a full and fast recovery. The safety of our team, passengers, and community remain our highest priority.”
— Daren A. Griffin, President & CEO, Columbus Regional Airport Authority
What’s next
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by local authorities.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the importance of robust emergency preparedness and response capabilities at major transportation hubs like airports, which are critical pieces of regional infrastructure. The quick containment of the fire prevented any disruptions to airport operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of the airport's safety protocols and emergency partnerships.
