Simulated gunfire to ring out in Boston this weekend; officials say people shouldn’t be alarmed

By Sarah N. Mattero, Globe Correspondent

Simulated gunfire will ring out in some areas of Boston this weekend, the mayor’s office cautioned, saying residents shouldn’t be alarmed because it’s only a drill.

The 24-hour exercise, “Urban Shield: Boston,” will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday and end at 8 a.m. Sunday. The event, which is intended to enhance the skills of public safety workers, is funded by a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

Residents may see officers responding to practice emergencies and activity in Boston Harbor. The scenarios will be performed multiple times, the mayor’s office said.

“Training is vital for our first responders. They are on the frontlines when an emergency occurs, and we want them trained in the best ways possible to handle any situation,” Mayor Thomas M. Menino said in a statement.

Simulations will occur at the former Boston Police District B-2 Station, the Bowdoin MBTA Station, the former Circle Cinemas in Brookline, UMass Boston’s campus, Boston Harbor Anchorage No. 1, the USS Salem, and eight hospitals throughout Boston. Scenarios will include hazmat decontaminations, maritime operations, bank robberies, and hostage situations, Menino’s office said.

The training will include emergency officials from Boston, the MBTA, Coast Guard, UMass Boston, and various other police departments and SWAT units.