The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFD) Hazmat Team is comprised of one program manager at the Battalion Chief rank, working a straight day assignment, and three operations battalion chiefs (Battalion 4), one per division (A, B, C). There are twenty-four permanent crew members (captain, engineer, firefighter/paramedic, firefighter), with eight crew members per division (A, B, C) based out of Fire Station 45. Additionally, there are fifty-plus relief crew members across all ranks and divisions.

The SDFD Hazmat Team is a Type-1 team capable of WMD operations, operating three Type-1 apparatus. Two apparatuses are provided by the City of San Diego, and cross staffed with Engine and Truck 45. The third apparatus is provided by the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).

In collaboration with the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ), the SDFD Hazmat Team provides emergency hazardous material mitigation throughout the entire County of San Diego. SDFD is responsible for mitigating hazmat incidents, while DEHQ is responsible for enforcing regulations, health and safety standards, and coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies. This collaboration between SDFD and DEHQ forms the Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT).

HIRT has been providing countywide service since 1985. The ability to provide countywide service is enabled by a binding contract between the eighteen cities and the unincorporated areas of San Diego County, known as the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA).

Mission

The mission of the Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT) is to safeguard the health and safety of all communities in San Diego County through exemplary emergency hazardous materials response and environmental protection. At the core of our operations are dedicated personnel, highly trained and committed to excellence, who engage closely with our community to foster trust and ensure responsiveness in times of need.

Driven by vision and innovation, we continually evolve to deliver the highest quality service. Collaborating seamlessly with our strong partner, the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ), we uphold rigorous standards to mitigate risks and safeguard our environment. Central to our mission is the well-being of our personnel. We prioritize their health and safety as they execute vital duties, embodying reliability and leadership in hazardous materials response across San Diego County.

Together, we uphold our commitment to protecting our communities and environment with diligence and dedication.