The LSFD provides a robust multi-tier emergency services response to hazardous materials incidents. Each sworn LSFD position is trained to exceed Haz Mat First Responder Operations (FRO) competencies. Additional training, equipment and procedures include mass and emergency decontamination, Rapid Extraction (rescue in a hazardous environment), Weapons of Mass Destruction procedures and Emergency Medical Services protocols (containment and treatment, for example, infectious diseases). The LSFD is the City’s key agency in hazardous materials emergencies. The LSFD Haz Mat Program utilizes a unified approach with allied agencies and many stakeholders to provide preparedness, prevention, response, mitigation and resiliency to hazardous materials emergencies. The LSFD is an all-hazards response organization, and the Haz Mat Program is designed to address the natural, technological, or purposeful response challenges, including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) threats to our community and national security. The LSFD provides 24-hour emergency services in FOUR Haz Mat Task Forces (HMTFs) geographically distributed throughout the City. The four HMTFs’ strategic locations are:

​

• Fire Station 401 - Rockford Hills

• Fire Station 410 (flex - Haz Mat Squad) – Davis

• Fire Station 409 (flex - Haz Mat Squad) – Los Santos International Airport ( LSIA )

Each HMTF is staffed with certified Haz Mat Technicians for strategic/tactical offensive operations in hazard identification, technical advising, entry into hazardous atmospheres, specialized mitigation and technical decontamination. In addition, the LSFD has THREE fire stations trained and equipped to provide technical decontamination to increase resource management and civilian protection.

 

Our Haz Mat Program has been a long-time pioneer in the nation’s hazardous materials emergency discipline. This includes many innovative solutions in training, operations and equipment. For example, the CBRNE Unit (office hours/on-call) is housed at the Los Santos Police Department’s Hazardous Devices, with the Bomb Squad. Together they comprise the Joint Hazard Assessment Team (JHAT) - LAFD and PD officers specially trained and equipped for multi-hazard and complex haz mat incidents. One of the key successes of this technological advanced, multi –discipline team of specialists is an exploratory (research & development) platform for special operations, creating and training new solutions and raising standards for the nation’s first responders and the community’s protection.