The provincial hazardous materials response program is expanding into Southeastern New Brunswick.
The province and the City of Moncton announced this week, $100, 000 in annual funding for the services.
This agreement comes after years of talks and preparations to establish a new Hazmat team.
Members of the Moncton Fire department have already begun their training.
“The Moncton Fire Department is looking forward to adding this specialty. It is exciting to expand our skillset to better protect the environment and people in the region. Our team is also eager to support the other hazmat teams across the province,” said Moncton Fire Department Chief Conrad Landry.
Specially trained responders will be able to provide Hazmat support for emergencies.
Hazmat teams are in two categories: scout and heavy. Heavy teams already operate in Fredericton and Saint John. Scout teams operate in Edmundston and Bathurst.
Without coverage in Southeastern New Brunswick, Hazmat teams from other regions had to be utilized in the past.
“Hazardous materials incidents come in all shapes and sizes, but in all cases response time is crucial to minimizing the impact. Adding a team in a growing region of the province is a tremendous boost,” said Fire marshal Michael Lewis.
