South Bend Airport to Hold Live Fire Training

Annual exercise required by FAA to maintain emergency preparedness

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The South Bend International Airport will be conducting its annual live fire training exercise on Wednesday morning from approximately 8 a.m. to noon. The controlled burns are part of federally mandated safety procedures for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting teams to maintain readiness for fuel-related emergencies and ensure passenger safety.

Why it matters

Live fire training is a critical component of airport emergency preparedness, allowing firefighters to practice responding to simulated incidents and hone their skills. This exercise helps the South Bend airport uphold FAA safety standards and ensures its teams are ready to act quickly in the event of a real emergency.

The details

The training will take place at a designated facility on the northwest corner of the South Bend airport airfield and will not impact regular flight operations. The controlled burns are designed to mimic fuel-related fire scenarios that firefighters may encounter.

  • The live fire training will occur on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The exercise is scheduled from approximately 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The players

South Bend International Airport

A regional airport serving the South Bend, Indiana metropolitan area.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for the regulation and oversight of civil aviation.

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) teams

Specialized airport firefighters trained to respond to aviation-related emergencies.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This live fire training exercise is a necessary and routine part of airport operations, ensuring that South Bend's emergency response teams remain prepared to handle any potential fuel-related incidents and uphold the highest standards of passenger safety.