CHARLESTON, WV – In partnership with local emergency responders and volunteers, West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) will conduct its federally mandated full-scale emergency exercise and live fire training this week. The training will commence with daily live fire drills on Friday, October 4th, and will conclude with a full-scale emergency response exercise on Saturday, October 5th. This triennial exercise is a critical evaluation of CRW’s readiness to effectively respond to an aircraft emergency on the airfield.
During the training Friday through Saturday, travelers and those in the surrounding area may notice fire, smoke, and an increased presence of emergency response vehicles. During the triennial full-scale emergency exercise on Saturday morning, travelers may also observe an increased presence of emergency response vehicles, actors simulating injuries on the airfield, and fire and smoke as part of the drill.
“The full-scale triennial exercise is a vital part of ensuring our airport and its partners are fully prepared to handle an emergency with efficiency and precision,” said Dominique Ranieri, Airport Director & CEO. “We are incredibly grateful for the collaboration of our local emergency response teams, airport tenants, and volunteers, whose commitment and participation make this crucial training possible. Their efforts help us maintain the highest standards of safety and readiness.”
As mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), CRW is required to carry out this drill every three years. Insights and data gathered from the exercise will be carefully analyzed by airport officials to further refine and enhance the airport’s emergency response protocols.
CRW extends its gratitude to the various agencies assisting with the exercise, including the 130th Airlift Wing Fire and Emergency Services, Charleston Fire Department, Kanawha County Ambulance Authority, West Virginia State Police, Charleston Police Department, Kanawha County Emergency Management, and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department.