Harnessing Innovation for Hazardous Materials Response: Brevard County Fire Rescue’s New HazMat 1

Fergus Kelly & Thomas Neidert

Brevard County Fire Rescue (BCFR) is at the forefront of emergency response, particularly in hazardous materials (HazMat) management. As the Special Operations Officer, I am proud to introduce the latest addition to our arsenal: the new HazMat 1 unit. This article will explore the significance of this upgrade, the capabilities of our HazMat team, and the impact this will have on our community and beyond.

The Importance of HazMat Response in Brevard County

Brevard County, with its diverse landscape and growing population, presents unique challenges in hazardous materials management. Our county is home to over 600,000 residents, the iconic Kennedy Space Center, the bustling Port Canaveral, and 72 miles of active railway lines, including the newly added Brightline train route. Additionally, the stretch of Interstate-95 running through the county is a critical transportation corridor, frequently traversed by vehicles carrying hazardous substances.

These factors create a potential for HazMat incidents that could have severe consequences if not managed effectively. The role of BCFR’s HazMat team is to mitigate these risks, ensuring the safety and security of our community. With the introduction of our new HazMat 1 unit, we are better equipped than ever to handle these challenges.

The Evolution of BCFR’s HazMat Capabilities

Our HazMat team is recognized as a Type I state asset, a designation that reflects our extensive capabilities. We are the only HazMat team within Brevard County, and our responsibilities include responding to incidents involving Immediate Danger to Life and Health (IDLH) environments, extremely hazardous substance releases, air monitoring, liquid and vapor leak mitigation, hydrocarbon transfers, chemical research, and more.

In addition to these core responsibilities, our team is proficient in specialized operations such as propane burn-offs, natural gas leak mitigation, extensive foam operations, and unknown chemical identification. We are also involved in evidentiary sampling and pre-planning for target hazards. This comprehensive skill set positions us as acritical resource for both our county and the state of Florida.

The New HazMat 1: A Technological Marvel

BCFR’s new HazMat 1 unit represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, a 2008 American LaFrance HazMat unit. This new vehicle, a 22-foot SVI aluminum body mounted on a Spartan Metro Star LFD chassis, is a testament to our commitment to staying at the cutting edge of HazMat response technology.

The HazMat 1 is powered by a Cummins L9 engine, providing the reliability and power needed for rapid response. Inside, the vehicle features a mobile command center with a 10-foot-wide slide-out and a pass-thru compartment-body connection, allowing for seamless communication and coordination during incidents.

Key features of the new HazMat 1 include:

• Flow Science FS2010FD Containment Enclosure:  This state-of-the-art containment system allows for the safe and efficient handling of hazardous materials on-site.
• Command Light CL Series Light Tower with Safety Vision 620A Camera: Enhances visibility and situational awareness during nighttime or low-visibility operations.
• Norcold DE-0041R 120V AC Galley Refrigerator and Coleman Mach 3 PS Air Conditioner/Heating Unit: Ensures that the team can maintain optimal working conditions, regardless of the environment.
• Weldon V-MUX Vista IV Multiplex Interface System: Provides a user-friendly control interface for the vehicle’s various systems, streamlining operations and reducing the potential for human error.
• On Scene Access PRO Compartment LED Lighting and Roof Access Stairway: Improves accessibility and safety for team members during operations.

The new HazMat 1 also features Hannay electric cable reels and Slide master steel slide-out trays, further enhancing its operational efficiency. These upgrades make the HazMat 1 not only a powerful tool for our team but also a model for HazMat response units across the country.

Training and Collaboration: The Pillars of Our Success

While the technology we employ is critical, the success of our HazMat team is ultimately rooted in the skills and dedication of our members. Each member of the team is cross trained as both a hazardous materials technician and a Florida Urban Search and Rescue (FLUSAR) Rescue Specialist. This dual expertise ensures that our team is not only capable of handling HazMat incidents but also proficient in technical rescue operations, including rope rescue, confined space rescue, vehicle and machinery rescue, trench rescue, and structural collapse rescue.

Maintaining proficiency in these diverse disciplines requires rigorous and ongoing training. Our team members are constantly honing their skills, both individually and as a unit, to ensure that we are prepared for any scenario that may arise.

In addition to our internal training efforts, BCFR’s HazMat team is actively involved with region 5 East Central Florida’s Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and other local teams. This collaboration allows us to stay up to date on the latest mitigation tactics and strategies, access cutting-edge resources, and trial new hazardous materials equipment. It also fosters strong working relationships with other teams, ensuring that we can work seamlessly together in the event of a large-scale incident.

The Impact of HazMat 1 on Our Community

The introduction of the new HazMat 1 unit has already begun to make a positive impact on our community. Since going into service on August 14, 2024, HazMat 1 has been deployed to several incidents, each time demonstrating its value and effectiveness.

For the residents of Brevard County, the presence of this advanced HazMat unit provides an added layer of security. They can rest assured that, in the event of a hazardous materials incident, our team has the tools and expertise needed to respond swiftly and effectively.

For our team members, the new HazMat 1 offers enhanced capabilities that make our jobs safer and more efficient. The ability to respond to incidents with confidence, knowing that we have the best equipment at our disposal, is invaluable.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Excellence

The introduction of the new HazMat 1 unit marks a significant milestone for Brevard County Fire Rescue. It is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to excellence in hazardous materials response and our dedication to protecting the community we serve.

As we continue to face new challenges in HazMat management, we remain focused on innovation, training, and collaboration. With the HazMat 1 at the heart of our operations, we are well-equipped to meet these challenges head-on, ensuring the safety and security of Brevard County for years to come.