When is Alert III declared at an airport?

• A. When a fire occurs on the premises
• B. When an aircraft is in distress above the airfield
• C. When an aircraft accident occurs on or near the airport
• D. When a security breach is identified at the airport

Answer: (C)

Alert III is declared at an airport specifically when an aircraft accident occurs on or near the airport. This level of alert indicates a serious situation that requires immediate response and coordination among emergency services. Declaring an Alert III allows airport personnel to mobilize resources effectively, ensuring that fire and rescue services are on standby and prepared to respond to the potential needs of victims, control hazards, and manage the incident site safely.

In this context, other situations, such as a fire occurring on the premises or an aircraft in distress above the airfield, might necessitate a response but do not reach the severity and complexity associated with an aircraft accident. Likewise, a security breach, while critical, falls under different emergency protocols than those activated during a physical aircraft incident. Understanding the specific definitions and criteria that trigger emergency alerts is vital for airport fire officers to ensure the appropriate levels of readiness and response.