If you happen to be driving in the area of South Bend International Airport tomorrow evening (Thursday, September 12), don’t be alarmed! The smoke and possible flames you will see from the airport will be part of a full scale disaster drill being staged for training purposes.
SBN put out an advisory to area media to inform the public and avoid needless concern that may arise from the scene that may be visible to nearby observers, including drivers on the US 31 Bypass on South Bend’s West side.
If you have a flight during that time period, it should not be affected in any way.
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The South Bend International Airport (SBN) Operations Team will facilitate a full-scale airport emergency preparedness exercise with the St. Joseph County Airport Authority (SJCAA) Department of Public Safety and mutual aid partners as required every three years by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The drill will not impact flight operations.
WHEN: Thursday, September 12, 2024
5:30 p.m. Media interviews
7:00 p.m. Drill begins
8:45 p.m. Drill concludes
WHO: St. Joseph County Airport Authority emergency responders, St. Joseph County Emergency Management, St. Joseph Health System, Beacon Health System’s Memorial Hospital, South Bend Fire Department, Clay Fire Territory, Mishawaka Fire Department, New Carlisle Fire Department, Notre Dame Fire Department, South Bend Police Department, St. Joseph County Police Department, St. Joseph County Dispatch Center, Southwest Central Fire Territory, FAA, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and over one hundred community volunteers.
SkyWest Charter will provide a 30-seat CRJ-200 aircraft to aid in simulating the most realistic experience for all responders involved. The airline continues to demonstrate its commitment to safety by allowing the use of an aircraft for this drill.
WHY: Every three years the FAA requires airports to test emergency response systems in coordination with local emergency service providers.
Airport website: www.flySBN.com
