MEMBERS OF EAST PIERCE FIRE's HazMat Team have been extensively trained and equipped to respond to specific types of incidents. When you have a train track and a couple of highways running through your district, you have to be prepared for anything. Commercial buildings – from storage warehouses to home improvement stores – pose a particular risk. They can contain everything from flammable liquid to toxic materials.

As part of their on-going training, the East Pierce HazMat Team drills once a month, practicing responses to fuel spills, gas leaks and radioactive material spills. They also train to respond to biohazard emergencies and terrorist attacks.

Maintaining a large team with all of the proper equipment is an expensive operation, so the East Pierce Team works with the Pierce County Hazardous Incident Team (PCHIT), a multi-jurisdictional response team that includes hazmat-trained firefighters from West Pierce Fire & Rescue, Graham Fire & Rescue, Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One and Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.

In addition to the monthly training, the HazMat Team drills with the regional team twice a year - including Washington's own 10th Civil Response Team (10CST), Pierce County Sherrif's Office (Lab Team), Tacoma Fire Department, Washington State Patrol and other state and county organizations.