This is live to tape audio of a 9/22/2019 public safety news briefing on the topic of public safety at the 2019 Balloon Fiesta. Speakers include:

·  Harry Season, Balloon Fiesta Board Member

·  Sam Parks, Balloon Fiesta Director of Operations

·  Allen Tetreault, Balloon Fiesta Public Safety Manager

Event organizers for the 48th Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (AIBF) presented by Canon made announcements on September 22nd related to public safety measures that will be implemented for the 2019 event.  Specifically, the event will be adding metal detectors, increasing bag check stations and increasing involvement from local state and federal law enforcement agencies to provide an environment where guests can enjoy the event with greater peace of mind.

Best Practices for Guests

There will be bag checks; the fewer items guests have, the faster they will get through the security line. Guests without bags to check will be able to get through the security process faster than guests with bags, chairs and coolers.

Balloon Fiesta Law Enforcement Presence

The Balloon Fiesta Public Safety Team coordinates a multiagency presence at Balloon Fiesta Park that includes more than 20 federal, state and local law enforcement, first responder and government agencies to ensure that the annual event is a safe place for its pilots, guests, volunteers and employees.

Aviation/Drones

A four-mile radius of the airspace around Balloon Fiesta Park is controlled by a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR).  This area is controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration. The only aircraft allowed in this area around Balloon Fiesta Park includes authorized hot air balloons, gas balloons, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.  UNAUTHORIZED DRONES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE BALLOON FIESTA AIRSPACE. Flying unauthorized aircraft within the TFR is a federal offense.

Full news release here: https://balloonfiesta.com/Post/Public-Safety-Measures-Announced-for-2019-Albuquerque-International-Balloon-Fiesta