BAKERSFIELD, Calif. | On February 28, 2025, the Kern County Fire Department participated in a joint-interagency hazardous materials response exercise involving 19 separate agencies. This realistic, scenario-based training simulated a mock detonation that spread radiological material over a large area. The objectives were to simultaneously ensure the health and safety of the public, assess the scale of the incident and isolate the area, issue notifications and emergency alerts, and then enter the site to locate and mitigate the hazard.
The Kern County Fire Department’s Hazmat team showcased their exceptional training, utilizing critical equipment—such as our drone—to scout the hazard area before deploying personnel. This allowed incident commanders to observe the simulated blast site and provide clear instructions to each entry team. Radiation monitors enabled the teams to safely locate and identify fragments of radiological material. Once identified, these locations were marked on a digital map, giving incident commanders real-time visibility. This information then guided cleanup teams to efficiently mitigate each identified hazard.
All 19 participating agencies performed admirably and enhanced their skill sets through this exercise. Special thanks go to the 95th Civil Support Team (CST) of the California National Guard for coordinating the event, and to all other agencies that made this event possible. This type of training ensures we remain prepared for any scenario, allowing us to deliver the highest level of service to the public.
