Goal: To respond to and reduce the consequences of hazardous materials incidents to the community and the environment.

The Torrance Fire Department maintains a Hazardous Materials Response Team consisting of five State Certified Hazardous Materials Specialists per shift. The Hazardous Materials team utilizes two engine companies to respond to hazardous material incidents. Each Hazardous Material Team member has a minimum of 240 hours of specialized training and on-going continuous education. Hazardous Materials Team members cross staff two engine companies which provide all risk services to the community of Torrance. The team utilizes a HazMat Response Trailer to mitigate large scale incidents. The response trailer houses entry suits, chemical monitors, and reference materials to help the team meet their strategic and tactical objectives.

Torrance Fire emergency response personnel who are not assigned to the Hazardous Materials Team are First Responder Operational and Decontamination Team members. These personnel provide support to the Hazardous Materials Team during an emergency response.