The operation is being headed up by personnel from Royal Air Force Cosford and residents of Ironbridge are advised not to be concerned if they see large numbers of emergency vehicles and personnel taking part in the exercise around the power station area over those two days.
The RAF and emergency services routinely exercise their responses to aircraft incidents, so they are prepared in the unlikely event that a real incident ever occurs.
As part of the exercise, a small amount of non-toxic blue water dye will be placed into the River Severn to simulate an environmental spillage. The use of the dye has been approved by the Environment Agency and will have no adverse impact on local wildlife or water supplies.
RAF Cosford, Squadron Leader Chris Wilson, said: “Exercises like this are routine for us. Flight safety is always our top priority but in the extremely unlikely event something were to happen, exercises like this where we train alongside our colleagues in the emergency services, help us to prepare.
“I’m sure that there will be minimal disruption to people in the local area and they should not be alarmed by the increased activity associated with the exercise.”
Exercises of this nature have taken place at RAF Cosford and various locations across Shropshire in the past.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager Russ Hales said: “We hope we never have to deal with an incident such as this but it is vital we are prepared to do just that and training opportunities such as this where, we work alongside other agencies are invaluable.”
Access is strictly restricted and no activity will be visible from outside the site.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service works closely with the communities it strives to protect. For further information fire safety visit the website at www.Shropshirefire.gov.uk
