WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A hazardous materials team made up of firefighters from Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach, and Delray Beach deployed to the Florida Panhandle to help communities prepare for hazardous material emergencies during hurricane response.
According to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, the Type 1 HazMat strike team departed for Tallahassee less than 24 hours after receiving deployment orders.
Hurricanes can cause more than wind and water damage. Fuel spills, gas leaks and chemical releases can create additional dangers for residents and emergency responders.
The team’s mission is to contain hazardous materials and protect people at the scene, allowing other fire rescue and emergency medical services crews to focus on urgent calls.
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The team includes members of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, West Palm Beach Fire Department, and Delray Beach Fire Rescue.
Firefighters with Palm Beach County Fire Rescuesay thee deployment reflects years of preparation and coordination among agencies, with equipment and personnel kept ready to respond when disasters strike.
“Today, our crews are heading toward someone else’s hardest day. Someday, help may be heading toward ours,” PBCFR wrote on Facebook.
The agency added that regional partnerships help communities respond when disasters overwhelm local resources.
“We prepare for both, because no community should face disaster alone,” PBCFR wrote.