If You See Some Crazy Activity at The Jackson Hole Airport Today - It's Just A Drill

It must be shoulder season in Jackson Hole. As our town breathes between ski season and the crazy summer crowds, the beautiful Jackson Hole airport decided this week would be ideal for a mass casualty event drill🤪.

The airport’s throwing a two-day rager this week, complete with a “fire prop” plane, because nothing says “FAA compliance” like setting stuff ablaze on purpose. Today and Thursday, April 9-10th, the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) crew will be out there playing with matches, ensuring they’re still aces at saving imaginary passengers from a fiery doom. Expect flames, a whiff of smoke, and probably some dramatic shouting, all conveniently staged on the east side of the runway. So, if you’re sipping your artisanal kombucha and spot a glow, don’t panic, it’s just the airport flexing its safety muscles.

But wait, there’s more! Thursday night, they’re upping the ante with a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Drill, because why settle for a fake fire when you can add fake carnage? Jackson Fire/EMS and Grand Teton National Park’s emergency responders are crashing the party, likely with sirens blaring and stretchers at the ready. It’s basically the Coachella of catastrophe training, minus the overpriced tickets and flower crowns.

This is one exclusive disaster simulation, and the only VIPs are the ones in reflective vests. Stay safe, Jackson Hole, and enjoy the show from a distance!

Here is the email today from Kevin Dunningan of the JH Airport:

Good afternoon,

The Airport will be conducting Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) recertifications tomorrow and Thursday, April 9-10th. This is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They will include a live "fire prop" plane on the east side of the runway area. There will be multiple drills throughout both days where flames and light smoke are likely to be seen.

On the evening of April 9th, the Jackson Fire/EMS and Grand Teton National Park emergency responders will join the Airport's ARFF team for a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Drill. This will also take place on the east side of the runway area.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Please note:

These notifications are intended to alert community members of upcoming Jackson Hole Airport activities. If you wish to be removed from this type of Airport communication or would like to update your contact information, please reply directly to this email with your request. If you know of neighbors or community members that would like to be added, please forward this.

Thank you,

Kevin Dunnigan, PIO

Communications Assistant | Jackson Hole Airport

***BTW…..we know this is important work. No one loves the airport more than we do in North Jackson.😉