Columbia Regional Airport to perform disaster exercise Thursday

The Columbia Regional Airport will be conducting a disaster exercise at about 4 p.m. Thursday.

The exercise will be as realistic as possible to simulate an aircraft crash response, including the use of smoke and fire.

A mobile aircraft firefighting trainer from MU Extension Fire and Rescue Training Institute will be on hand to help replicate conditions during an aircraft disaster.

Emergency response agencies will also be performing medical services on several volunteers to simulate a mass casualty incident involving an aircraft disaster.

Agencies involved in Thursday’s exercise are airport public safety, Columbia police and fire departments, Boone County fire and sheriff’s departments and ambulances from both hospitals in the area.

The National Guard, the Salvation Army and the Red Cross will also participate.

Residents in the area should not call 911 if they see smoke or emergency vehicles in the area during the exercise.