First responders run airport emergency drills in Hailey, Idaho

First responders from across Blaine County are taking part in a multi-day series of emergency exercises at Friedman Memorial Airport this week.

Fire response and evacuations

Airport Director Tim Burke said Tuesday’s drill focused on collaborating with mutual aid partners, putting crews through realistic scenarios to prepare for a major disaster on the airfield.

“Our airport rescue firefighters are going to be getting practice in with these fire trucks here, putting out aircraft specific fires, whether that’s fuel fires or engine fires, cargo compartment fires,” Burke said.

“At the same time, our mutual aid staff from Hailey Fire Department in Blaine County Fire Rescue, will have an opportunity to do hand line work with hoses and learn from the airport firefighters on techniques specific to fighting fires in the airport environment.”

More exercises are planned through Thursday, including Wednesday’s mass-casualty drill, a required Federal Aviation Administration training conducted every three years.

Burke said the airport reaches out to the high school drama department and other community groups for volunteers to play victims during the exercise.

Building and location background

“Safety is our top priority here to provide a safe and efficient world class facility for travelers,” Burke said.