The practice is designed so responders are ready in case of the unthinkable.
The Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport was staged Thursday morning to train responders should a crash happen with an airplane.
A simulator, complete with manikins and sound effects, erupts in flames and local crew members and responders from local fire departments and EMS arrive on the scene.
Airport Director Matthew Leitner discusses why the simulation is necessary...
"Since we're an FAA part 139 commercial service airport, every three years we have to simulate a full-scale aircraft disaster exercise. So what that entails is we partner with all the local emergency agencies, regional emergency agencies and we simulate, perish the thought, an aircraft disaster. It ensures adequate communication, allocation of resources, etc..."
Oneida County Emergency Management led the response with the City of Rhinelander Fire Departments, and other agencies. The agencies are part of the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport Emergency Plan.
