The Columbus Fire Department is working on getting firefighters quicker access to the Columbus Municipal Airport.

Fire Chief Mike Compton told the Board of Public Works and Safety this morning that a project to allow the firefighters to directly access the airport from Fire Station 2 is proceeding. He said a special security gate will be installed for the firefighters and there are changes that still need to be made to the doors and the exhaust system in the station. And there will need to be approval by the FAA, Compton said.

As things stand now, the fire trucks have to drive onto Arnold Street, then circle back around before they can go onto the airfield, Compton said. He said the new arrangement will be quicker and safer.

The fire station just off of the airport houses specialized equipment for aircraft rescues and fires.