Full-Scale HazMat Exercise Brings Together Local, State, and Federal Partners
On June 13, first responders and emergency managers from across southwest Idaho came together in Weiser for a full-scale hazardous materials exercise designed to test every facet of our state’s preparedness. This large-scale event, hosted by the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) in coordination with Washington and Payette counties, brought together local, state, and federal partners to simulate a complex HazMat incident and train under conditions that closely mirror a real-world emergency.
The scenario centered around a hazardous chemical release from a rail tanker car caused by a faulty valve. Crews were tasked with identifying the substance, establishing safety zones, and containing the spill, all while working alongside dozens of other agencies in real time. Unlike tabletop drills, this full-scale exercise involved actual movement of responders, equipment, and vehicles, creating the most realistic training environment possible.
First responders from Washington and Payette counties led the initial response. They were challenged to complete a scene size-up, identify the hazardous material, establish unified command across county lines, and respond to a simulated civilian exposed to the chemical. These local agencies routinely manage daily emergencies and perform critical life-saving functions. However, this exercise was designed to push beyond local capabilities and required a higher level of coordination with private sector partners, the rail company, and state and federal agencies.
Throughout the exercise, crews monitored evolving conditions and worked to maintain control of the scene. Once state resources arrived, Idaho’s Regional Response Teams integrated with the unified command to quickly and safely develop a plan to address the faulty valve.
Participating agencies represented a wide range of local, state, federal, and private sector partners. Among them were FEMA’s National Exercise Division, IOEM, Washington and Payette County sheriff’s offices and emergency management teams, Payette County Paramedics, and multiple fire departments including Weiser, Payette, New Plymouth, Fruitland, Boise, Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls.
Other key partners included the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho Transportation Department, State Communications (StateComm), Southwest District Health, Western Idaho Healthcare Coalition, and Gem County Emergency Management. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the United States Army, and the Army Reserves were also involved as federal observers and participants.
Private sector partners such as Union Pacific Railroad, Amalgamated Sugar Company, and Graymar Environmental played important roles in supporting the exercise and providing realistic training conditions.
Evaluators were stationed throughout the site, observing how the exercise played out from multiple angles. Each evaluator followed a detailed exercise evaluation guide and documented real-time decision making. Their observations will be compiled into an after-action report and reviewed in a virtual meeting this August to identify strengths, gaps, and takeaways for each agency involved.
IOEM led the design, planning, and coordination of the event, with staff embedded in multiple aspects of the day’s activities, from evaluation and safety to public information. The exercise followed months of planning, including the 2024 Regional Interagency Steering Committee Federal HazMat Seminar and a series of pre-exercise workshops and tabletops.
Exercises like these help IOEM identify both strengths and areas where the state and local first responders can improve before a real incident puts lives and infrastructure at risk. They are also a reminder that relationships and regular practice help strengthen Idaho’s emergency preparedness.
