Hazmat drills help keep first responders trained

If you noticed emergency crews outside the Grand Teton Mall Thursday, the Idaho Falls Fire Department gathered there to go over hazmat drills.

The Idaho Falls Fire Department trains first responders on what to do if hazardous material is released in the air.

This routine exercise is completely funded by the Bureau of Homeland Security.

Pocatello and Twins Falls have had a number of hazardous leaks within the past couple of months, and hazmat drills in these areas are crucial to keeping people safe.

The City of Idaho Falls Fire Department’s Paramedic Captain Rob Hall said, “We like to do drills where we get out and bring all of our equipment with us during the summer months. We thought this would be a little nicer today until the rain showed up, but the rain just added a nice realistic aspect because it doesn’t matter what the weather is, if we are deployed we gotta go.”

The next hazmat drill for the fire department will be scheduled in June.