Initial results of the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ hazmat team survey indicate a total lack of any hazardous materials response capabilities in some states and a limited response capability in many others.

Because of the lack of full response to the survey, the results are currently unreliable.

The IAFC is requesting that fire chiefs return their surveys immediately so that accurate information may be compiled.

The IAFC’s survey was originally launched April 8 and seeks information on the hazardous materials team capabilities of U.S. and Canadian fire departments. The information gathered from the survey will be shared with the Department of Homeland Security to convey the hazmat capabilities and needs of these fire departments.

All organized Level A (Type I) and Level B (Type II) teams are requested to participate and return the completed survey immediately.

To participate in the survey, e-mail reardon@northbrook.il.us or visit www.fsi.uiuc.edu/Homeland_Security/index.cfm (the link is in the middle of the page where it says “International Association of Fire Chiefs Questionnaire.”)

Completed survey questionnaires should be forwarded to execdir@illinoisfirechiefs.org or faxed to 708-460-1086.

It is important that all hazmat teams complete the survey immediately, so that an accurate profile of U.S. and Canadian hazmat capabilities can be developed. The Illinois Fire Chiefs Association will compile the data to generate this profile, which will help in recognizing local capabilities as well as where and what local hazmat capabilities are lacking.  The IAFC will provide a summary document on the findings to its members; however, all critical information will remain confidential