The Hazardous Materials Division of the Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department has 25 staff members. The team consists of 21 members working three shifts. There is one division chief, one chemist, one training and equipment officer and one secretary. The Hazardous Materials Division (HazMat 71) was formed in 1989 following the tragic incident that claimed the lives of six firefighters from Pumpers 30 and 41.

HazMat 71 is housed at Fire Station 27, 6600 E. Truman Road. Funding of the Hazardous Materials Division come from a 5-cent-per-pack cigarette tax. This division is equipped with various types of detection equipment for measuring, identifying and verifying releases of hazardous chemicals. This equipment is mobile and can be used in emergency situations.

Following are some of the HazMat division's activities:

• Respond to and control of hazardous materials releases.
• Protect public health and safety, and reduce fire loss by controlling hazardous materials releases through implementation of a hazardous materials inspection program and chemical hazards analysis.
• Respond in a timely manner to citizens complaints to ensure hazardous conditions and illegal hazardous materials disposal practices are abated or otherwise comply with all applicable codes and regulations.
• Training and preparedness for response to acts of terrorism and incidents involving the use of chemical, nuclear and/or biological weapons.
• Ensure first responders and police and law enforcement personnel are protected against the hazards of clandestine drug lab operations.
• Participate with the local emergency planning committees to develop more efficient emergency planning, training exercises and response capabilities throughout the metropolitan area.
• Respond to structural fire suppression calls within our district.
• Provide Emergency Medical Services for emergency operations, at hazardous materials incidents or during fire suppression activities.
• Ensure fire response personnel have adequate and up-to-date information regarding a facility’s storage and usage of hazardous materials to allow them to safely respond to emergency incidents at the facility and to control any unauthorized release of materials. This information includes maps, chemical inventories and emergency contacts of the facility.

If you would like more information on the Hazardous Materials Division of the Kansas City, Mo., Fire Department, contact the HazMat office at (816) 784-2020 during normal business hours.