Residents of Kelowna are being advised that an emergency training exercise is taking place at Kelowna International Airport that may look concerning, but it is not a real emergency.
In a statement, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) says YLW staff, in collaboration with Kelowna Fire Department, Ellison and Lake Country fire departments, Transport Canada, RCMP, B.C. Emergency Health Services, Interior Health and Kelowna General Hospital, B.C. Coroners Service, airline partners, KF Aerospace and Commissionaires, will be simulating an aircraft emergency on the south end of the airfield on Oct. 27 between noon and 4 p.m.
Flames and smoke may be visible coming from the training aircraft, while emergency vehicles with sirens and volunteers portraying injured people will also be part of the exercise. YLW says residents should not be alarmed or call 911 about activity directly related to the training exercise.
Having training exercises like this is important to maintaining operational safety, said YLW CEO Sam Samaddar.
“Safety and emergency preparedness are central to our operations. And while we hope never to face a major aviation emergency, being prepared is a responsibility our team takes seriously. This exercise allows us to test our systems and response capabilities alongside our partner agencies to ensure we are ready to respond together when it matters most.”
