Harry Reid Airport To Conduct Live Fire Drills
Training exercises will occur on the airfield starting Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Thursday, Oct. 1.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Emergency Response
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Travelers and residents near Harry Reid International Airport may notice smoke on the airfield as Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting crews conduct live fire training drills. The exercises run from Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Thursday, Oct. 1.
Why it matters
These routine drills are essential for maintaining the emergency response readiness required for major airfield operations. By simulating aircraft emergencies, the airport ensures crews are prepared to manage critical incidents safely.
The training spans three days of scheduled exercises vs. the standard readiness protocols for onsite emergency personnel. The exact daily hours for these simulated response drills remain unspecified.
The players
Harry Reid International Airport
The primary regional aviation hub serving the Las Vegas Valley and the site of the upcoming training exercises.
Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting
The specialized emergency response unit tasked with conducting simulated airfield rescue and fire suppression drills.
The details
Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting crews will carry out a series of live fire and smoke simulations directly on the airport grounds. This process allows teams to practice emergency mitigation techniques in a controlled environment to ensure professional readiness. Operations are set to proceed through the middle of the week, with activity concentrated within the secure airfield perimeter.
Timeline
Training begins on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
Training concludes on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
Beyond the Strip
This exercise adheres to the long-standing emergency response readiness standards maintained at the airport. It represents a continuation of the periodic safety drills required to manage potential airfield hazards.
If you are in the immediate vicinity of the airport, you may see plumes of smoke rising from the airfield during these three days. There is no threat to the community, as the fire and rescue teams will be working within a strictly controlled training environment.
The takeaway
Expect to see localized smoke near the airport through Thursday as teams maintain their safety certifications. Keep this schedule in mind if you are planning to be in the surrounding area during the training window.
What happens next
Residents and travelers should anticipate the conclusion of all scheduled drills by the end of the day on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Further reading
For more information on local public safety drills, visit the Emergency Response page.
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Do you find public emergency training exercises reassuring or a source of unnecessary alarm?
