RAWALPINDI: A mock fire fighting exercise wherein the crash landing of a small Cessna aircraft was simulated, was carried out at the Islamabad International Airport (IIA) to monitor rescue and fire fighting (RFF) preparedness.

The scenario was created close to a taxiway at IIA. The purpose of the exercise was to check rescue and fire fighting (RFF) preparedness.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), rescue and fire fighting (RFF) preparedness and readiness is an important element for safe operations at any airport. In order to keep fire staff in good trim, a night fire exercise was conducted at the airport, a statement issued by the authority stated, adding the exercise simulated an aircraft crash during night operations at the airport.

The mock exercise involved a scenario with a Cessna, making a crash landing near a taxiway. After the crash, the starboard side wing of the aircraft caught fire, which was simulated by burning fuel in a fire pit.

Fire fighting vehicles along with crew and ambulances responded to the accident site within response time as per fire safety standards. A triage was also created during the rescue operation. The exercise was conducted in coordination with the Duty Air Traffic Control Officer (DATCO) tower during the vacant slot, when no take off/landing was taking place at the airport. Fire minima remained unaffected.

The full strength of the Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFF) staff along with medical, airside, vigilance, E&M staff participated in the exercise. Lighting arrangements were made by the directorate of Electrical and Mechanical (E&M).

Chief fire and rescue officer (CFRO) served as an on-scene commander whereas Airport Manager Syed Aftab Gilani also witnessed the exercise.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2022