Local firefighters and other emergency responders on Saturday practiced how they would save lives if a natural disaster struck the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle Fire Department as part of the Cascadia Rising earthquake drill used helicopters to simulate real life rescue scenarios. The drills are meant to prepare emergency personnel for when a 9.0 earthquake hits the Northwest Region. If an earthquake of that magnitude struck, a regional air response would be necessary to face the challenges of saving lives over a large geographical area, according to Seattle Fire Lt. Sue Stangl. The Northwest Regional Aviation team came together with several other agencies at the Port of Seattle Terminal for a full day of exercises, including landing and take-off procedures as multiple helicopters hoist and transport equipment and personnel in and out of the helicopter base.