5 December 2024

Like much of the South Coast, the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport implemented evacuation procedures in early December after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the California Coastline triggered an Oregon coastal tsunami warning. The airport, located close to the ocean, follows stringent emergency operations protocols to protect the flying public and Coos County Airport District assets. The airport also has emergency protocols in place to allow space for other non-district organizations that may be impacted in emergencies, including the US Coast Guard Air Station which used airport property to stage a helicopter, and Coos Aviation which moved aircraft fuel trucks to the terminal parking lot. ARFF Fire Chief Bob Hood credited staff for their constant training that showed today. Evacuations were underway within 30 seconds and most airfield equipment from low-lying areas had been moved in under 11 minutes.  Executive Director Rodger Craddock says situations can happen without warning.  As demonstrated in natural disaster situations in other regions of the country, protecting transportation, facilities, and emergency apparatus is critical for people who reside in rural areas like the South Coast.