The train tracks that run through the village of Cayuga will be swarmed with emergency responders Saturday.

But residents can rest easy - it is just a drill.

The Cayuga County Office of Emergency Services will hold a training program for emergency responders to learn about handling a passenger and freight railroad emergency.

The program is being held after county emergency officials noted an increase in train traffic in the area.

“This program affords the opportunity for first-responders to be better prepared should a local incident involving a railway occur,” said Brian Dahl, director of Cayuga County Emergency Management.

On Saturday, county firefighters and local emergency response teams will gather at the Finger Lakes Railway tracks near Cayuga Village Hall to practice smoke hazard and other rescues as a simulation passenger train travels along the Finger Lakes Railway line, called Auburn Road, from Geneva to Solvay. Freight cars will be added to the train in order for responders to practice responding to all types of train-related emergencies.

The training will begin with a classroom session at 9 a.m. in the Cayuga Village Hall and move to the tracks afterward.

Amtrak, CSX and Finger Lakes Railways worked together to coordinate services to make the event possible.

Staff writer Sarah Gantz can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 237 or sarah.gantz@lee.net