Hazardous Materials Hotline©
February 23, 2026
Grant News
Several grant opportunities have been announced, including EPA’s Wildfire Smoke Preparedness in Community Buildings, funding for community colleges to fund short-term training programs, Norfolk Sothern Railway’s Community Grant, lastly the 811 student safety challenge is open.
Discussion: Funding for equipment, training, and other preparedness activities continues to be a challenge for response organizations and communities. Team leaders, emergency managers, and others should be aware of potential funding opportunities and readily engage funders to improve capabilities and community preparedness. The 811-student safety challenge also offers the opportunity for community awareness and risk reduction as well as community partnership opportunities.
Personal Recognition Opportunities
TRANSCAER is seeking nominations for its awards program to recognize individuals, organizations, and businesses that demonstrate, advocate, and implement the principles of TRANSCAER. The National Fire Heritage Center is also seeking nominations for their annual awards.
Discussion: Both awards programs recognize achievement in a variety of categories. Team leaders and others in leading roles should develop and submit nominations for exemplary service for eligible candidates.
Electrical Storage Systems and Electric Vehicles
As ESS and EVs are becoming more common, research into hazards, emergency actions, and prevention continue to be published. A recent study compared extinguishing agent effectiveness against ESS fires, FSRI has published research on the genetic hazards of smoke from EV fire smoke, and a report on the fire-risk potential of battery powered devices has been released.
Discussion: ESS and EVs continue to be the emerging “problem of the day”, with the risk for incidents increasing.
Emerging Technology
A wearable chemical detection device has been unveiled.
Discussion: The device is a single chemical (ammonia) sensor, however, further expansion may be forthcoming. These devices may be of interest for both response and fixed facility operations.
Publications and Information
Several new research and reference publications have been released, including US Chemical Safety Boards 4th volume of incident reports, and analysis of the effectiveness of emergency decontamination methods, an essay on the use of chemical weapons by non-state actors, an update of the Civil Defense Handbook, a report on changes to the US bio-preparedness priorities, an article on the importance of factual information regarding CBRN, a report on assessing the toxic contamination in smoke and fire damaged homes, and a video report on the fire and explosion at Didion Milling.
Discussion: Remaining current with technology and information remains critical to ensuring responder health and safety and community readiness.
Chemical of the Week
The latest chemical of the week worksheets (acrylonitrile and butane) are out. The COW provides weekly chemical research training, reflecting incident research during initial response to hazardous materials incidents. You can subscribe here.
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About the Author:
Dave Donohue is a hazardous materials course developer, educator, and trainer with experience at the local, regional and national level. He is also a Master Exercise Practitioner, firefighter, and emergency manager.
