Established in 2003, our Type 1 Hazardous Materials Response Team (HMRT) is an important component of Metro Fire’s Special Operations.  On average, Metro Fire responds to nearly 400 incidents involving hazardous materials every year.  Housed at Station 109 in Carmichael, Metro Fire’s HMRT operates a dual-purpose apparatus that functions as both a fire and hazardous materials incident response truck.  The team is comprised of 55 personnel trained to the level of Hazardous Materials Specialist and is equipped to handle incidents varying in complexity from small chemical spills to large releases of industrial chemicals.  

The team utilizes a host of specialized tools, equipment, and the latest technology to detect, identify, contain, and mitigate hazardous materials in solid, liquid, and/or gaseous states.  The team also employs a number of electronic databases and resources to assist with product identification and decision-making.  Certified by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) Hazardous Materials Team Typing Program, Metro Fire’s Type 1 HMRT is uniquely equipped to respond to terrorism and/or weapons of mass destruction (WMD) incidents that may involve chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and/or explosive substances.