Park County airport board forms committee to write emergency response plan after recent aircraft incident

The Park County Airport Board voted to form a committee to draft a formal airport emergency response plan after county emergency management and local fire chiefs told the board there is no comprehensive plan for incidents at Mission Field. The motion to form the committee passed by voice vote during the meeting; board members said they will work with Park County Emergency Management and area fire chiefs to produce a plan for review.

Greg Coleman, Park County Emergency Management, told the board he could not find an existing airport emergency response plan for Mission Field and said the county’s firefighting resources and training are limited. “I did try to find an airport emergency response plan. I couldn't find one,” Coleman said. He described a 10,000‑gallon underground water tank at the airport but said “10,000 gallons doesn't go very far” for major aircraft incidents and that the county’s current emergency response for the airport is essentially a 911 call and whatever units are dispatched.

Livingston Fire Chief Gabriel “Gabe” Chandler (spoke as Gabriel Chandler) and local volunteer fire representatives described the late discovery and logistical challenges in responding to a recent aircraft that left the runway and was found in a gully. Chandler said Montana State Board of Aeronautics staff notified airport staff that an emergency locator transmitter (ELT) had activated; he directed on‑site checks that led to discovery of the aircraft. “Matt Lindbergh called me back and said, ‘Shut the airport down. I'll get emergency services coming over,’” Chandler said, describing how local responders were mobilized after the ELT alert.

Fire chiefs urged a standardized set of questions for 911 dispatchers to ask callers reporting aircraft incidents so responding units can better assess risk and bring appropriate apparatus and manpower. A list should clarify whether victims are trapped, whether a fire exists or is likely, the type of fuel involved, and whether the caller has eyes on the scene. “The first and foremost is to have a standard list of questions that the 911 asked whoever they're talking to,” a fire representative said.

Board and county staff discussed practical water-access options for firefighting, including improving access to the existing underground tank, installing a dry hydrant or pump manifold tied to a well, excavating a pond with a dry hydrant for seasonal aircraft water dips, and installing standpipe/fire department connections (FDCs) and dry sprinkler connections in new buildings to let firefighters pressurize internal systems. “A pond gives you the ability to use aircraft to dip out of it in the summertime,” a fire official said. The group also discussed how buried tanks are harder to inspect and maintain than ponds.

The board asked staff to form a committee with emergency management and fire representatives to draft an airport emergency plan and identify funding sources, including possible planning grants. Coleman and others noted planning grants of roughly $10,000 may be available to support initial planning work. Board members instructed staff to coordinate with dispatch to develop the aviation‑specific set of questions and contact lists that should be used when an aircraft‑related call is routed through 911.

Action taken: the board approved formation of a committee to work with Park County Emergency Management and local fire chiefs to create or update an airport emergency response plan and protocols. The motion passed by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.

Why it matters: Without a formalized local protocol, dispatch information gaps can delay appropriate response or send units that are undersized for the hazard, particularly on off‑hour incidents. Board members and emergency responders said standardizing questions for dispatch and improving water access and building connections will speed response and reduce risk to people and property.

Next steps: Board staff will arrange the committee, coordinate with dispatch on aviation‑specific call questions, seek available planning grant funding, and return a draft plan to the board for review.