 In
1987, because of the increasing amount of hazardous
materials transported through and used by the City of
Lufkin, the Lufkin Fire Department expanded its duties and
capabilities by developing a hazardous materials emergency
response team. The Hazmat team consists of 15 firefighters
who, in addition to their regular duties, are specially
trained in the control, containment, and confinement
techniques associated with hazardous materials. Although
this team is not responsible for clean up activities, their
goal is to minimize damage to life, property, and the
environment in the event of a hazardous materials incident.
The Lufkin Hazmat truck carries a wide variety of
specialized equipment including booms, absorbent chemicals,
neutralizing agents, various types of chemical suits,
patching materials, detection equipment, decontamination
supplies and much, much more. In addition to these supplies
it also is equipped with a comprehensive resource library
and communications system.
The Hazmat team responds to incidents within the City of
Lufkin and Angelina County. It also has a Mutual Aid
Agreement with Nacogdoches County and
traditionally has responded to wherever requested and
needed.
Local businesses and residences are not billed for utilizing
the Hazmat Team at an incident. However, incidents occurring
outside city limits or by vehicles passing through the city
are billable. Although there is no guarantee it will always
be this way, billable responses and donations have covered
all the additional expenses of equipment and training in the
past.
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