By Gina Yarbrough
Carlsbad, CA–First responders and County airport staff will conduct a disaster drill Thursday morning at McClellan Palomar Airport in Carlsbad.
Carlsbad police and firefighters are scheduled to participate in the major disaster exercise From 9 to 11 a.m., County officials said in a statement.
County officials said residents living in the surrounding areas should not be alarmed by the sirens and fire engines at the airport.
McClellan Palomar Airport is required to hold a disaster exercise every three years. The drill is designed to ensure that airport rescue crews can respond immediately in emergencies with backup from the city of Carlsbad’s fire and police departments and that the airport fully complies with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards.
The airport does not currently have commercial airline service, but has in the past and is required to meet FAA safety requirements, airport officials said.
The exercise will simulate a scenario—complete with people made up to look like injured survivors—of a 30-passenger jet aircraft running off the left side of the runway.
First responders will drill to put out fires, rescue, triage, and treat survivors, and transport them for hospitalization.
McClellan-Palomar Airport is one of eight airports operated by the San Diego County Department of Public Works.
