King County International Airport – aka Boeing Field – is just over the ridge from West Seattle, and within view/earshot for many here, so this alert about a drill next week might be of interest:
King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) will conduct a full-scale emergency exercise on Wednesday, October 21. The main part of the exercise will occur from about 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
During this time, emergency vehicles and personnel will respond to a simulated aircraft accident on the far south end of the airfield, adjacent to the Museum of Flight and Boeing Military Delivery Center and just north of South Norfolk Street.
People in the vicinity of KCIA during the exercise may see what looks like a damaged aircraft, including real smoke (but no fire), aircraft parts, and “victims” with makeup to simulate injuries. First responders will engage in the exercise as if it were a real emergency, including using vehicles with lights and sirens. If you see this activity during the scheduled time for the drill, do NOT call 9-1-1. Local emergency response agencies are aware of this planned exercise.
KCIA will remain fully operational during the drill. The main runway will remain open, but there will be some ramp areas and part of a taxiway closed for the exercise. Part of Norfolk Street near East Marginal Way may also be temporarily closed to traffic during the drill.
We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we conduct this critical test of our emergency response procedures.
Boeing Field has hosted drills before – our archives include this alert about one in 2018 that involved military aircraft.