The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department organized its Hazardous Materials Team, in 1977. It was the first organized municipal Haz-Mat team in the nation. Today, JFRD Haz-Mat is recognized nationally as a leader in the field.

Every day, specially-trained firefighters serving on two Haz-Mat teams in our city stand ready to respond to any type of chemical, biological or radiological incident. This could involve anything from a vehicle accident resulting in a fuel spill to large scale events such as train derailments, aircraft incidents, or other major calls involving any quantity or type of hazardous materials.

Since forming 40-plus years ago, JFRD's Haz-Mat teams have worked with the FBI on countering potential terrorist attacks in preparation for Jacksonville hosting large events. The team has responded to high-profile incidents, including an explosion involving radioactive krypton gas at a local facility, as well as a massive, multiple-alarm fire with multiple explosions at a fuel additive plant. Annually, the team responds to approximately 700 Haz-Mat incidents ranging from simple petroleum releases like diesel fuel to toxic gases such as chlorine. JFRD's Haz-Mat teams also routinely provide mutual aid to surrounding counties.

All Haz-Mat team members have achieved the 160 hours of training required to become a state certified Haz-Mat technician. The department boasts approximately 160 Haz-Mat technicians across the ranks.
 
Haz-Mat is part of Special Operations in the Operations Division.