HAZMAT
Many of us don’t give a thought to the diverse range of potentially hazardous materials that cross our path each and every day. Gasoline tanker trucks and chlorine railcars are just two examples of the volatile chemicals that members of the public might see on their way to or from work. Chlorine also treats the water which we drink and clean ourselves in. In the current age of terrorism, weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) are a constant threat that must be planned for.
The Chiefs and Firefighters at Boulder Rural take the possibility of a hazardous materials incident extremely seriously. Our responders are trained to the level of Hazmat Operations and Hazmat Technician. They can contain a hazardous chemical leak in order to protect the surrounding populace and environment; rescue and decontaminate victims (so that emergency medical services can provide appropriate care); and provide assistance to our neighboring communities and fire departments should a Hazmat incident happen to them.
Cooperation is a cornerstone of the Boulder Rural philosophy, and the Hazmat arena is no exception. The Boulder County Hazmat Team is divided into a northern team (primarily operated by the Longmont Fire Department) and southern team, to which Boulder Rural and the Boulder Fire Department contribute both personnel and resources. Firefighters respond from home or the firehouse to staff the Hazmat team, ensuring a timely and robust response to anything from a meth lab to a chemical spill. This is just one of the many ways in which Boulder Rural stands constantly ready to protect the lives, health, and property of our customers.