Hazmat training for local first responders this week

Flathead County first responders are hosting a joint Hazmat and Law Enforcement exercise this week on July 6-10.

First responders will be working with the 83rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team, Montana National Guard, from Helena. The purpose of the exercise is to establish and refine valuable partnerships between local, state and federal agencies in responding to incidents involving hazardous materials that may overwhelm local resources. This exercise is not COVID-19 related and was scheduled before January of this year.

The exercise is set to be conducted in two phases, on July 7 and 9, with responders participating in the Whitefish, Creston and Kalispell areas. The activities are intentionally scheduled to be conducted away from heavily populated areas, in the interest of safety. Residents are advised there may be responder vehicle movement and tactical response actions that may pose a danger to unsuspecting observers, and are therefore asked to refrain from entering areas marked “Exercise in Progress” in the interest of uninterrupted training activity and for their own personal safety.

This exercise has been coordinated with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Flathead County Office of Emergency Services, multiple Flathead County Fire Departments, and Kalispell Police Department.

Address any questions regarding exercise activities to Maj. Adam Karlin, 83rd WMD Civil Support Team, at 406-202-5818, or email adam.t.karlin2.mil@mail.mil.