Hazardous Materials Response Team

The Hazardous Materials (Haz-Mat) Response Team began in 1979 and was the first of the special operation units in St. Charles County. Since 1979, the team has become a regional unit and is responsible for providing coverage for the St. Charles County area and localized surrounding counties.

The St. Charles City/County Hazardous Materials Response Team is staffed daily by fire department personnel from the various fire departments and Fire Districts within the St. Charles County area.

A hazardous material incident is generally described as the intentional, or accidental release of a radiological, toxic, corrosive, flammable or dangerous chemical, biological or nuclear agent into the environment. Personnel from the Hazardous Material Response Team stand ready to respond to intentional releases i.e. illegal drug labs, or to accidental releases that are associated with the normal processing or transportation of hazardous chemicals. The Hazardous Material Response Team is also trained and equipped to handle the release of nuclear, chemical or biological materials associated with terrorism.