Hazardous Materials Hotline©
June 5, 2026
Training and Education News
There are plenty of training and education opportunities coming up over the next few months. The IAFC Hazardous Materials Teams Conference returns to Baltimore in June and the NVFC hosts its annual training symposium at the end of the month in VA. In August, the National Homeland Security Conference is in Louisville and the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo is in NC. September brings us hazardous materials conferences to Virginia and California. The National Fire Academy has immediate vacancies for no-cost training on campus this summer, including several hazardous materials courses. As a federally funded resource, every seat that isn’t used makes it easier to cut programs and funding in the future. For those who would rather do some self-study, the Naval Postgraduate School has placed its unclassified research papers online for your use. In addition, FSRI has developed search and rescue instructor guides and drill sheets to assist departments in developing and validating responder training.
Discussion: Training and education remain the backbone of professional development.
UAV Development
The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Science and Technology has released a new podcast discussing developments in drone use and growth.
Discussion: The podcast discusses the rapid development of drone technology and capabilities, with new threats appearing on a regular basis. Drone technology is rapidly changing the threat landscape and emergency planners and responders should remain aware of drone capabilities, advancements, and incidents.
NTSB Incident Report
The National Transportation Safety Board has released preliminary information related to a tank truck explosion. A recent article in Scientific American discusses the potential for more facility based hazardous materials incidents occurring in the U. S. and the background behind the reason.
Discussion: The investigation into the cause of the explosion and preventative measures continues and the risk of incidents seems to be increasing. Responders and emergency planners should continue to follow the investigations for lessons learned and methods for reducing the risk of similar incidents occurring in their jurisdictions as well as policy and regulation changes that may impact their communities.
CSB Report Released
The Chemical Safety Board has released a report of findings of an explosion at a chemical processing facility in Louisville, KY that killed 2.
Discussion: CSB Reports continue to provide critical information for emergency planners and responders. The reports provide information needed to reduce the risk of similar threats in facilities throughout the nation.
Chemical of the Week and IAB Podcast
The latest chemical of the week worksheets (sodium chlorate and hydrogen sulfide) are out as is the latest IAB Podcast, where we discuss the NFPA standards development and aproval process. New podcasts drop the 15th and 30th of each month. For suggestions, comments, or questions on the podcast, email podcast@interagencyboard.org.
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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.
