Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team (RHMRT)
BCFD firefighters are trained and certified Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) Technicians who respond to emergency situations involving hazardous materials (chemicals, flammable liquids and gases, radioactive material) and weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Our HAZMAT Technicians use advanced technology to detect, identify, contain and neutralize hazardous substances. Actions are taken to limit exposure and reduce the spread of contamination in accordance with standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Berkeley County Fire Department Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team (RHMRT) is equipped with HAZMAT 90, a tractor trailer used to store and deploy equipment for detection, identification, containment, and decontamination of hazardous materials emergencies. When deployed, Hazmat 90 also serves as a command and communications center. BCFD also has a smaller spill trailer that is often used for hazmat fluid leaks due to motor vehicle accidents on Interstate 81 and other locations.
As the regional response team, Berkeley County responds to Hazardous Materials emergencies in the West Virginia Homeland Security Region III, which is comprised of Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, Grant and Pendleton counties.
Swift Water Rescue Team (SWRT)
The Swift Water Rescue Team is comprised of department personnel who are trained as Swift Water Rescue Technicians. This team conducts search, rescue and recovery operations for humans and animals in swift water and flood emergency situations in accordance with standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
This specialty team provides shore-based and water-based operations. The SWR Technicians are adept at hydrology, boat handling, technical water and rope rescue skills. They are equipped with Rescue Boat 90, harnesses, flotation devices, rope, webbing, pulleys, Stokes type litters, floating spine boards, personal protective equipment, and other advanced rescue equipment.
