HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE TEAM

The Chippewa Falls Fire and Emergency Services Department has been designated by the Chippewa County Local Emergency Planning Committee as the county hazardous materials response team. This team responds throughout Chippewa County providing offensive operations in mitigating hazardous materials emergencies. The hazardous materials team utilizes special protective encapsulating clothing to safely enter hazardous atmospheres to control or isolate chemical products which may endanger the safety of people, livestock or the environment. The haz-mat team utilizes a unique response vehicle (pictured above) which utilizes state of the art equipment for identification and remediation of dangerous chemical releases. Each of the department's 26 members has successfully completed the 40-hour Hazardous Materials Technician training that meets the OSHA standard under CFR 1910.120. While that is the beginning, team members devote hundreds of hours annually to training and continuing education,  improving knowledge and maintaining skills.

The Chippewa Falls Fire and Emergency Services Department Team along with the Eau Claire Fire / Rescue Team has been designated as one of the eight Level "A" regional response teams in the state of Wisconsin. The West Central Wisconsin Hazardous Response Team responds to Level "A" requests in a 14-county region of western Wisconsin.  

Photos from a July 2002 Allyl Isothiocyanate release