Hazmat resources from IAFC
Hazardous materials incidents present complex challenges for fire departments and emergency responders, requiring specialized training, coordinated response strategies, and effective incident management.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) supports fire service leaders and responders with training, operational guidance, research, and resources to strengthen hazardous materials preparedness, response capabilities, and community safety.
Explore hazmat training opportunities, grant-supported programs, response resources, and industry developments designed to help departments prepare for and manage hazardous materials emergencies.
Ready to get involved? Our Hazardous Materials Committee is the IAFC’s subject matter expert on hazmat. It advises the IAFC board on policy and plans our annual Hazmat Conference.
Featured hazmat resources
Start with these guides, webinars, and research for hazmat responders and leaders.
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Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT)
The IAFC ALERT program strengthens hazardous materials preparedness through training, research, and resources for emergency responders nationwide.
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Supplemental Public Sector Training (SPST) Program
IAFC’s SPST Program strengthens hazmat preparedness through responder training, instructor development, unified command and emergency planning.
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IAFC Community Safety Program
IAFC’s Community Safety Program provides tools, data and resources to strengthen hazmat preparedness, risk assessment and emergency response nationwide.
Hazmat events
Learn alongside hazmat responders and fire service leaders at IAFC events.
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Fire-Rescue International 2027
Fire-Rescue International (FRI) is the IAFC’s annual conference bringing together fire and emergency service leaders for professional development, industry innovation, and peer networking.
Common questions about hazmat
Quick answers for fire chiefs and hazmat responders, with links to the full resources.
Hazmat is short for hazardous materials. It refers to substances that can harm people, property, or the environment, and to the incidents they cause. Hazmat incidents can involve any mode of transportation, including road, rail, and pipeline. IAFC also uses the term dangerous goods alongside hazardous materials.
The Hazardous Materials Committee is the IAFC’s subject matter expert on hazardous materials and dangerous goods. It monitors trends in the fire and emergency response community and advises the IAFC Board of Directors on hazmat response policy. It works with Congress and federal agencies. It also plans the annual International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference.
IAFC offers a recorded webinar on the 2024 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). It walks through the latest updates and how to use the ERG when responding to hazardous materials incidents. You can also find the guidebook itself in our resource library.
Start with the IAFC event calendar. The International Hazardous Materials Response Teams Conference runs June 3 to 6, 2027, in Baltimore, MD. IAFC also lists Propane Emergencies Training courses, and IAFC Academy offers online courses that include hazardous materials. Members can ask peers for training advice in KnowledgeNet.
Two IAFC grant programs focus on hazmat. The Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) Grant provides hazmat training for volunteer or remote responders. It focuses on rail incidents involving crude oil, ethanol, and other flammable liquids. The Community Safety Grant helps communities prepare residents for road, rail, and pipeline hazmat incidents.
Ask for help early. In our webinar From Overwhelmed to In Control, three seasoned professionals share incident management strategies for hazmat response. Their key takeaway: if you’re overwhelmed, swallow your pride and ask for help.