Gloucester Fire Department Participates in Hazmat Drill Alongside State District 6 Hazardous Materials Response Team and Other Response Partners

GLOUCESTER — Gloucester Fire and response partners prepared for the potential of a hazardous materials response incident with a comprehensive hazmat drill on Tuesday, Nov. 18. 

In the event of a hazmat incident at a Tier II facility in Gloucester, the Gloucester Fire Department, the Tier II facility staff and State District 6 Hazmat Team would work together to mitigate any hazard and treat any victims.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services’ District 6 Hazardous Materials Response Team (D6), one of five regional response teams that supports local fire departments with specialized equipment, technical expertise, and personnel during hazardous materials incidents, covers Gloucester, and would be called to provide additional support to an incident if needed.

To optimize efficiency and interoperability between the three entities, Gloucester Fire Capt. Pat Legro and Deputies Barry Aptt and Phil Harvey worked with the Department of Fire Services leadership and D6 team, and other response partner leadership to organize a joint training, including hazmat drills, on Tuesday, Nov. 19. 

Before the drill started, the host company gave a presentation to D6 that outlined the hazardous materials stored and used on site, followed by a tour of the facilities to familiarize responders with the building layout and identify target hazards. Gloucester Fire received the presentation and tour earlier in the fall, as part of the Department’s annual obligation and goal to conduct site-specific training and familiarize members with Tier II facilities in the City. 

During the drill, crews practiced responding to two simulated emergencies: a chemical gas cylinder leak inside the facility and a chemical liquid drum spill in a loading dock area. 

In the scenarios, D6 and other crews entered the incident area, or “hot zone,” in personal protective equipment including a vapor-protective, fully encapsulating suit with a self-contained breathing apparatus. Once in the incident area, crews mitigated hazards while Gloucester Fire provided medical monitoring, rehabilitation, and decontamination of the drill’s entry team members. 

The Fire Department also provided paramedic level EMS coverage for the drill in case an actual medical emergency occurred. No injuries or illness were reported. 

“I am proud of the effort by our Department and DFS Hazmat D6 to plan and execute this training. This is the required effort needed to be successful in fulfilling the life safety mission our agencies share,” said Gloucester Fire Chief Eric Smith. “This was excellent work and effort by all. I would especially like to thank Capt. Legro of Gloucester Fire, who is also a D6 Team member, for taking the lead with Deputies Aptt and Harvey, who assisted in getting this set up.”