Annual live fire exercises slated this week at Kona and Hilo airports

The Hawai‘i Department of Transportation announced that the Hawai‘i District Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting units will conduct live fire training exercises at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport and Hilo International Airport this week.

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting units will be testing response protocol to a live emergency scenario, which is an annual requirement by the Federal Aviation Administration for the recertification of fire and rescue personnel.

The scenario involves burning fuel and the public may see smoke and emergency vehicles during the exercise, but all appropriate safety precautions will be in place throughout the exercise.

The exercises at both airports will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10 through Wednesday, Feb. 12. All flight operations will continue as normal.

Any questions should be directed to the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation Public Affairs Office at 808-587-2160.