Mount Vernon, IL – Residents in and around the Mt. Vernon Airport area may notice increased emergency activity tonight as multiple agencies carry out a large-scale aircraft emergency drill.
According to the Mt. Vernon Fire Department, crews from the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport and Jefferson Fire Protection District will conduct simulated aircraft crash and rescue training on Monday, November 24, 2025, between 6:30 PM and 10:30 PM. Officials said residents should expect a noticeable rise in emergency vehicle traffic, lights, and on-site activity throughout the evening.
The training will take place in and around the Mt. Vernon Airport grounds in Jefferson County. Fire officials noted that the exercise is part of routine preparedness efforts aimed at improving interagency coordination during aviation emergencies. These drills typically include mock crash scenarios, response timing tests, and communication evaluations between airport personnel and first responders.
According to the fire department, the public should not be alarmed by the activity. No real emergency is taking place, and there is no threat to residents or travelers in the area. Officials emphasized that the drill is fully planned and supervised to ensure safety while allowing crews to practice realistic rescue and containment scenarios.
Airport and fire officials said these exercises help teams stay ready for rare but high-risk incidents involving aircraft. They encouraged residents to share the information to avoid confusion during tonight’s activity.
Anyone traveling near the Mt. Vernon Airport this evening is advised to allow extra time or consider alternate routes if they wish to avoid the area during the training window.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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