Fort Dodge, Iowa – The Fort Dodge Regional Airport will conduct a required full-scale emergency disaster drill on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. This exercise is part of the airport’s ongoing commitment to safety, preparedness, and compliance with federal aviation requirements.
The drill will simulate a realistic emergency scenario involving an aircraft incident and will include coordination among multiple emergency response agencies.
“This full-scale exercise is critical to ensuring that all responding agencies are prepared to act quickly and effectively in the event of a real emergency,” said Airport Director Sarah Rustvold. “Training under realistic conditions helps strengthen coordination and enhances the safety of our passengers, staff, and community.”
As part of the exercise, a controlled live fire will be ignited and extinguished by trained personnel to test response effectiveness and ensure proper emergency procedures are followed. Residents and businesses in the surrounding area may notice increased emergency vehicle activity, smoke, and visible flames during the exercise. The public is advised that this is only a drill and there is no cause for alarm.
The drill will not interfere with the scheduled United Airlines flight to Chicago that afternoon.