West Nipissing PoliceAn emergency mock disaster was played out in Sturgeon Falls this morning (Tuesday).

West Nipissing Police, fire, hospital and municipal officials were all involved, along with community partners.

The scenario involved a hostage situation and shooting at the town hall along with a fire in the public library, with a handful of victims suffering smoke inhalation.

Officials say the goal of the training exercise was to assess emergency response times and plans, review gaps and identify areas for improvement that will keep West Nipissing residents and the community safe and healthy.

During the mock event police vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances were on Highway 17 and Holditch Street with the highway and certain roads blocked off during the exercise.

Officials also say it’s important that residents think about their own emergency planning in the event of a disaster.