Fire exercises near airport repeated next two Wednesdays

If you saw heavy black smoke near the airport this morning chances are it was from a drill. The city of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department conducted its annual airport live fire drill today and will do another May 13 and May 20. The exercises are scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon at 860 Lake Mirror Road near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires the annual drill for all airport fire personnel to maintain their Aircraft Rescue and Firefighter certification. Residents and visitors near the airport on these days may see heavy black smoke in the area during the drill.