Hazmat & Chemical Units

Response to hazardous materials incidents in Louisville dates back to around 1935, when an old International tractor was converted into a Carbon Dioxide Unit to respond to electrical fires.

In 1946, a dedicated Chemical Unit was placed into service to respond to such incidents. The company was staffed by a crew of two and responded automatically throughout the city to all high hazard alarms. Chemical Unit 1 operated as an independent unit from several firehouses until 1979, when it was assigned as the second piece of Engine 15 and the first Hazmat team was formed. Shortly thereafter, the Chemical Unit was retired and a former beverage truck was converted into the first "Hazmat Unit." A second hazmat unit was added in 1990.

At some point in time, Engines 1, 5, 12, 15, 19, 21, and 22 have each been part of the hazmat team. Today, there are three hazmat companies. Engines 1, 12, and 21 are assigned foam-pumpers. Engine 1/Hazmat 1 is the primary Hazmat company in Louisville. Both apparatus respond together on all calls as a two-piece company. Engines 19 and 21 respond with additional Hazmat apparatus as needed.