Central NH HazMat Team

The Central NH Hazmat Team was first created in 1995 by the Capital Area Mutual Aid Fire Compact as the Capital Area Hazmat Team. It served the towns in the Capital Region for 9 years. In 2006 the Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid Association entered into a joint venture agreement to bring hazardous materials response capability to both mutual aid organizations. The name Central NH Hazmat Team was adopted and is still used today.

The team covers 53 towns in the center of NH. From the State Capital, Concord, to the tourist rich areas of the Lakes Region, the team serves a very diverse population and has varying hazards in the region. In addition, the interstate highways (I-93 and I-89) carry an abundance of hazardous cargo through the coverage area. Local highways are used to transport shipments of hazardous materials to nearly every town in the coverage area.

A small group of dedicated members from local fire departments make up the core of the response capability of the Central NH Hazmat Team. These members have taken the initiative to train in specialty areas that focus on hazardous materials emergency response. All Central NH Hazmat Team members are NFPA 472 compliant Hazardous Materials Technicians. This intensive 80 hour initial training is supported by a regular con ed training of over 24 hours each year as a minimum. Many of our team members have been involved for several years.

The team will respond at the request of a local incident commander to assist with any hazardous materials event. This can be as simple as a phone consultation to a full response for a level A incident.

The Central NH Hazmat Team utilizes a 2005 Ford box truck as its primary response vehicle. In addition, a 20 ft cargo trailer has supporting response equipment. A decontamination trailer is available and will be supported by members of the Concord Fire Department to perform decontamination of the hazmat technicians when needed.
The team has at its disposal all necessary personal protective equipment and detection equipment for nearly all types of hazardous materials and any possible radiation events.

The team collaborates extensively with our local, state and federal partners to include NH State PD Bomb squad, NH Department of Environmental Services, NH Fire Marshalls Office, National Guard 12th Civil Support Team and many other state and federal assets.