Hazardous Materials Response Team

Purpose

The Victoria Fire Department Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT) is the primary hazardous materials team in Victoria County, and throughout the Golden Crescent Region.

Training

The HazMat team has been extensively trained and equipped to respond to the threat and/or deployment of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

Members of the Hazardous Materials Team are certified through the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications, also known as the Pro Board. This is an internationally recognized organization that accredits agencies to certify emergency responders to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Professional Qualification standards.

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Availability

The HazMat team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a combination of on duty personnel and call back of off duty personnel, depending on the incident.

Common Calls

The most common types of calls the Victoria Fire Department Hazardous Material Response Team responds to involve acid spills, petroleum spills, chemical spills, and chlorine and vapor leaks. Common calls often involve natural gas pipe breaks due to construction or excavation.

Vehicles

The HazMat team utilizes the Rescue truck and a dedicated trailer to transport the various equipment and protective gear necessary for hazardous materials emergencies. Depending on the size of the incident, additional resources can be mobilized with additional resources, along with additional fire apparatus, ambulances, and the mobile command post.