Flames at Fairbanks airport this week are a drill, not an emergency

If you see large flames and smoke at Fairbanks International Airport this week, it's a scheduled firefighting drill — nothing to worry about.

Aircraft rescue and firefighting crews are running live-fire training Aug. 3 through 7, and the state, which owns the airport, says the public may see big flames, smoke and emergency vehicles in the training area. Airport operations won't be affected.

The heads-up matters because the Interior is already hazy with wildfire smoke — the Tatlanika Fire southwest of Fairbanks has grown to about 2,000 acres. Officials say clear notice helps residents tell a planned training fire from a real one. The drill is unrelated to the Tatlanika Fire.

Questions can go to the airport at 907-474-2530.