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HOUSTON — If you’re flying in or out of Bush Airport this week, you may see something a little unsettling, especially considering recent events at other airports.
But airport officials say it’s nothing to worry about. It’s only a drill.
Bush Airport posted a message on its social media account on Monday, saying that the Houston Fire Department is conducting safety drills and training. If you’re at or around the airport, you may see emergency vehicles there. You could also see smoke and flames.
On Monday in Toronto, a Delta jet that took off from Minneapolis ended up flipped over after landing. And last month, an American Airlines jet collided with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport in Washington DC, killing 67 people on board. These incidents have heightened concerns for many travelers, making routine drills feel more urgent than ever.
For some, air travel isn’t just about convenience, it’s necessary. Jenna Campbell frequently flies into Houston for medical treatment.
“I come to Houston because I’m a cancer patient at M.D. Anderson, so I’m thankful to be able to travel here,” Campbell said.
Campbell said knowing first responders are prepared for emergencies brings her some peace of mind.
If an emergency were to arise at Bush Airport, HFD’s Station 54 team would step into action.
HFD Senior Captain Ronald Krusleski emphasizes the importance of these drills.
“A fire will burn through an airplane within 60 to 90 seconds,” Krusleski said.
Krusleski coordinates aircraft rescues. The drill involves a full-scale aircraft simulator, roughly the size of a Boeing 737, engulfed in flames.
Firefighters used 80,000-pound fire trucks equipped with water, foam and other firefighting tools to put out the blaze.
“This training here gets us as close as possible to live training. Thankfully, accidents don’t happen every day, but when they do, we need to be ready,” he said.
Krusleski said these incidents are ones most firefighters don’t see in their entire career, but his team is thankful they can be prepared.
“We’re lucky there aren’t a lot of incidents. Yes, we’ve had a couple in the past few months, but historically, air travel is very safe,” he said.
To Campbell, this is very reassuring.
“It’s helpful to know that they’re taking extra steps,” Campbell said. “Even though it’s part of their job, it’s really comforting to see them go the extra mile with training.”
TRAINING WEEK AT IAH: Flames and smoke may be visible at Bush Airport, but please do not panic. 🚨
Our @HoustonFire partners will be conducting safety drills and training throughout the week. 🚒 pic.twitter.com/B9mPsaMyRz
