Fire suppression system was accidentally triggered at Spirit Airlines maintenance hangar at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.
Spirit Airlines’ Independence Day took an unexpected twist when the fire suppression system at its Detroit Metro Airport maintenance hangar was accidentally triggered, unleashing a massive foam discharge.
The hangar doors were open at the time, allowing the foam to spill onto the adjacent ramp area.
The incident, likely caused by a lightning storm that passed through around 5 p.m. local time on July 4th, 2025, affected an Airbus A321 and A320 inside the hangar, along with three additional aircraft parked outside.
The foam, while designed to extinguish fires, poses significant risks to aircraft. Its chemical composition is often highly corrosive, potentially damaging critical systems including engines, electrical bays, and cabin interiors.
Spirit’s 126,000-square-foot hangar—completed in 2017 at a cost of $32 million—serves as a primary maintenance hub for the airline, supporting scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, engine overhauls, and cabin modifications for its Airbus A320 and A321 CEO and Neo fleet.
The response effort was extensive, with Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) fire and rescue crews spending much of the day washing away the foam.
As a result, the affected planes may face extended downtime for inspection and repairs.
