Smoke and flames may be seen at the Williams Lake Regional Airport this evening.
But residents are being told there is no reason to panic or fret — this is all part of an emergency response exercise.
An exercise to test and evaluate emergency response procedures and coordination among the airport’s personnel and emergency response agencies will be conducted tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 15, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Williams Lake Fire Department, RCMP, and BC Emergency Health Services will be among the local emergency responders participating in the exercise.
The City of Williams Lake says residents may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles, personnel, and equipment travelling to and from, as well as operating at the airport while the exercise is ongoing.
Smoke and flames from controlled barrel fires may also be visible during the exercise. But residents are being assured this is part of the exercise and there is no cause for concern.
The airport and City say these exercises for emergency preparedness are vital to maintain safe and effective responses at the airport. The exercises also help ensure that emergency responders and the airport personnel can work effectively together if a real emergency were to occur.
Passengers are being told that there will be no interruptions to scheduled flights and operations at the airport while the exercise is ongoing.
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