Hazardous Materials Team
Consistent with California’s statewide standards, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department operates a Type 1 Hazardous Materials Team prepared to manage complex and high-hazard incidents. The team includes 28 full-time members, ranging in rank from Firefighter to Battalion Chief, organized across three divisions to provide continuous operational coverage.
The program maintains three heavy hazardous materials response apparatus that meet Type 1 standards and are equipped with specialized detection, monitoring, and mitigation capabilities. Two apparatus are funded by the City of San Diego, and a third is provided by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. These resources strengthen the Department’s ability to protect the City and support regional and statewide emergencies.
A 76-member relief pool provides additional depth and flexibility across all ranks, bringing the total team to 104 trained personnel. Staffing may expand based on operational requirements and available funding.
Hazardous Materials Program Manager
The Hazardous Materials Program Manager is an administrative Battalion Chief who reports to the Deputy Chief of Special Operations and works closely with the three Operations Hazardous Materials Battalion Chiefs.
The Program Manager provides strategic oversight of fiscal management, grant-funded procurement, regional agreements, operational readiness, workforce development, and long-range program planning. The position also coordinates closely with the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality, Joint Powers Agreement member agencies, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the Unified Disaster Council, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, and law enforcement partners to ensure a unified and consistent regional hazardous materials response capability.
County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ)
The Hazardous Incident Response Team within the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality’s Hazardous Materials Division consists of 10 California Specialized Training Institute-certified Hazardous Materials Specialists.
These specialists provide technical, environmental, health, safety, and regulatory expertise during hazardous materials incidents. Working alongside San Diego Fire-Rescue Department personnel, they help identify hazards, evaluate risks to the public and environment, investigate hazardous materials releases, and support coordinated incident stabilization. This partnership provides San Diego County with a comprehensive and unified hazardous materials response capability.
Hazardous Incident Response Team (HIRT)
The Hazardous Incident Response Team is an integrated partnership between the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality.
Together, the agencies investigate releases, identify hazards, evaluate risks, and stabilize complex chemical emergencies throughout San Diego County. Fire-Rescue personnel lead tactical mitigation, containment, and control operations, while County specialists provide health, safety, environmental, and regulatory expertise.
Joint training and coordinated operations allow both agencies to function as one regional resource, providing communities with an efficient and comprehensive hazardous materials response capability.
History
Since 1981, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and the County of San Diego Department of Environmental Health and Quality have jointly provided specialized hazardous materials response through the San Diego Hazardous Incident Response Team.
This regional partnership serves all 18 incorporated cities and the unincorporated communities of San Diego County. Participating agencies receive service through the San Diego Unified Disaster Council under a Joint Powers Agreement, providing a consistent and coordinated response capability across jurisdictional boundaries.
Mission
The mission of the San Diego Hazardous Incident Response Team is to protect the public, emergency responders, and the environment through safe, coordinated, and technically advanced hazardous materials response. Through highly trained personnel, operational readiness, continuous improvement, and strong regional partnerships, we provide trusted leadership and specialized response capabilities to communities throughout San Diego County.
Join the Hazardous Materials Team
The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department recruits qualified members who demonstrate strong performance, sound judgment, teamwork, and a commitment to specialized service. Members may serve in permanent or relief assignments based on program needs and available positions.
Minimum Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a non-probationary Firefighter.
- Receive a rating of “Satisfactory” or higher during the most recent employee performance rating period.
- Not be subject to a Performance Development Plan.
- Not have been subject to a Last Chance Agreement or Conditions of Continuing Employment within the previous two years.
- Have no sustained discipline at the level of suspension or higher within the previous two years, consistent with the promotional eligibility provisions of Article 43(c) of the San Diego City Firefighters Local 145 Memorandum of Understanding.
Hazardous Materials Technician
- Team members must complete a California Specialized Training Institute-accredited Hazardous Materials Technician course.
- The 160-hour program combines hazardous materials science, monitoring, field operations, and hands-on skills to prepare members for assignment to a hazardous materials response team.
- Members must commit to a minimum of two years of service in a permanent or relief capacity.
Recruitment
- The Hazardous Materials Program actively manages recruitment to maintain qualified staffing across all ranks. The Hazardous Materials Program Manager monitors promotions, leaves of absence, and other factors that may create vacancies.
- When recruitment is authorized by the Deputy Chief of Special Operations, the Department publishes a bulletin identifying the positions available, minimum qualifications, application process, and required training.
