Hazardous materials require technicial skill and professional management to challenge the risks that may confront emergency response personnel and the community. Department personnel are required to perform complex assignments that demand specialized skills and continuous training. Team readiness and operational proficiency will establish the margins of safety that personnel will work under. The team responds to all hazardous material incidents that occur within the county as well as to mutual aid incidents to other jurisdictions.

Specialized apparatus is housed in a headquarters station at Station 40, Fairfax Center, and at three satellite stations located strategicly through out Fairfax County (Station 1, McLean; Station 11, Penn Daw; and Station 26, Edsall Road). Station 40 houses the primary HazMat Unit along with a HazMat Support Unit. Stations 1, 11, and 26 house specialized rescue squads designed to carry, in addition to heavy rescue tools, an assortment of materials and equipment which serve to support hazardous material operations.