Methamphetamine Labs and Methamphetamine Labs and Chemical Emergency ResponseChemical Emergency Response

Anchorage Fire DepartmentAnchorage Fire DepartmentBattalion Chief Wade StrahanBattalion Chief Wade Strahan

Dangerous to the Public and Dangerous to the Public and FirefightersFirefighters

According to the According to the Center for Disease Center for Disease Control and Control and prevention 79 prevention 79 emergency emergency responders were responders were injured in 14 states injured in 14 states between 1996 and between 1996 and 1999.1999.

AFD Meth FindsAFD Meth Finds

FireFireMedical EmergencyMedical Emergency““Funny smells”Funny smells”Auto accidentsAuto accidentsDumped wasteDumped waste

Lab LocationsLab Locations

Mini-storageMini-storageMotel roomsMotel roomsTrailersTrailersMotor HomesMotor HomesCarsCarsTrucksTrucks

Primary Fire Department Primary Fire Department Emergency FunctionsEmergency Functions

Life Safety & RescueLife Safety & RescueMitigate Emergency ConditionsMitigate Emergency Conditions– FireFire– MedicalMedical– ChemicalChemical

Support Law EnforcementSupport Law Enforcement

Lab Site HazardsLab Site HazardsRisks to Firefighters and RespondersRisks to Firefighters and RespondersFireFireExplosionsExplosionsBooby TrapsBooby TrapsCriminal ActivitiesCriminal ActivitiesChemical ExposuresChemical Exposures

AFD Chemical ID EquipmentAFD Chemical ID Equipment

Chemical ID is a basic hazmat team Chemical ID is a basic hazmat team competencycompetencyMost newer equipment acquired through Most newer equipment acquired through domestic preparedness grants for domestic preparedness grants for terrorism response.terrorism response.

Hazcat KitHazcat Kit

10 –45 Minute Process

Hazmat IDHazmat IDInfrared SpectroscopyInfrared Spectroscopy

2-3 Minute Process

Hazmat IDHazmat ID

Ramam TechnologyRamam Technology

Laser Spectroscopy

2-3 Minute Process

Point and Shoot

Common ChemicalsCommon Chemicals

Flammable LiquidsFlammable Liquids

AcidsAcidsStrong BasesStrong BasesPressurized GassesPressurized Gasses

Fire Department Response to Fire Department Response to Known LabKnown Lab

Support Law EnforcementSupport Law EnforcementDecontaminationDecontaminationEmergency Medical AssistanceEmergency Medical AssistanceFire and Explosion ProtectionFire and Explosion ProtectionHazmat Team AssistanceHazmat Team Assistance

Decon Shelter SystemsDecon Shelter Systems

ConclusionConclusion

Firefighters may not be aware of a meth lab Firefighters may not be aware of a meth lab operation when responding to an incidentoperation when responding to an incidentMeth labs can be equipped with “security Meth labs can be equipped with “security devices” containing explosivesdevices” containing explosivesFirefighters can encounter dangerous criminalsFirefighters can encounter dangerous criminalsA meth lab is always a hazardous materials A meth lab is always a hazardous materials incidentincident