The Hazmat Files

Lithium-ion batteries power everything from smartphones and e-bikes to electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems, but when these batteries fail, the resulting thermal runaway events present unique challenges that extend far beyond a traditional fire for first responders.

In this episode of The Hazmat Files, we examine what happens during thermal runaway, why these incidents behave differently than conventional fires, and what responders need to know about fire behavior, toxic emissions, explosion hazards, battery reignition, air monitoring, scene management, and responder safety.

Join us as we explore current research being conducted by UL's Fire Safety Research Institute and Chemical Insights Research Institute, lessons learned from real-world incidents, and practical considerations for firefighters, hazmat teams, EMS, and emergency managers responding to one of today's fastest-growing hazards.

Special Guests:

• Craig Weinschenk, PhD, Director of Research, UL Research Institutes' Fire Safety Research Institute
• Mark Wilson, MSPH, PhD, CIH, Research Director, UL Research Institutes' Chemical Insights

Resources:

· Full-Scale Electric Vehicle Fire Experiments and Recommendations for Fire Incident Response

· NERIS - The National Emergency Response Information System

· Fire Safety Academy | Research‑Based Online Fire Training

· Battery Safety - Take Charge

· Evaluating inhalation risks and toxicological impacts of lithium-ion battery thermal runaway emissions - ScienceDirect

· What toxic chemicals are released in lithium-ion battery fires? - Science Journal for Kids and Teens

The fire service is evolving, and women are helping shape its future at every level, from the station floor to executive leadership, emergency management, hazardous materials response, and fire prevention.

In this episode of The Hazmat Files, we sit down with accomplished women from across the fire service to discuss leadership, mentorship, resilience, and the legacy they're building for the next generation. Together, we'll explore how leadership styles are changing, why diverse perspectives strengthen emergency response, and what today's leaders can do to inspire tomorrow's firefighters.

Whether you're new to the profession or have decades of experience, this conversation is about more than representation, it's about creating a stronger, more prepared fire service for everyone.

Special Guests:

• Assistant Fire Chief Benita Dawson, Prince George's County Fire & EMS Department
• Battalion Chief Kristi Bartlett, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department

About the Fire Departments:

• Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department serves approximately 1.2 million residents across 400 square miles in Northern Virginia, immediately west of Washington, D.C. The department employs approximately 1,400 career personnel and operates 39 fire stations. Women represent approximately 11.5% of the department's career workforce.
• Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department serves approximately 1 million residents across 500 square miles in the Capital region of Maryland. The department employs approximately 1088 career personnel and operates 45 fire stations. Women represent approximately 12.5% of the department's career workforce.

When responders call CHEMTREC, they aren't reaching a call center, they're connecting with an experienced Emergency Operations Center team that's available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

In this episode of The Hazmat Files, we go behind the scenes to explore what really happens after the phone rings. Learn how CHEMTREC's Emergency Operations Center gathers critical information, connects responders with product manufacturers and technical specialists, coordinates with carriers and government agencies, and helps provide the information needed to support safe, informed decision-making during hazardous materials incidents.

Whether you're responding to a highway accident, rail derailment, warehouse fire, or chemical release, this conversation highlights why CHEMTREC is far more than an emergency phone number, it's a connection to one of the largest hazardous materials emergency response networks.

Special Guests:

• Andrew LaVanway, Chief Executive, CHEMTREC
• Kevin Lavezzo, Associate Director, Operations Center, CHEMTREC

The 2026 award opportunities closed on Sept. 4. Stay tuned for more information on scholarships and HELP Awards that will be offered in 2027.

• Hazardous Materials Instructor of the Year Award and Scholarship

• Hazardous Materials Officer of the Year Award and Scholarship

• HELP Award | CHEMTREC®

During a hazardous materials incident, air monitoring is a critical tool for protecting responders, the public, and the environment. But collecting readings is only the first step, the real challenge is understanding what those readings mean and using them to make informed decisions in rapidly changing conditions.

In this episode of The Hazmat Files, industry experts discuss how the Emergency Response Planning Guidelines (ERPGs) help turn air monitoring data into actionable information. Learn how ERPG values support protective action decisions such as evacuation and shelter-in-place, and how air monitoring guides response efforts from initial assessment through recovery.

Special Guests:

• Christopher Kuhlman, PhD, CIH, DABT, Vice President, Emergency Response, Onterris

• Michele Twilley, Chief Science Officer, American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA)

This episode of The Hazmat Files explores the unique challenges of maritime incidents and what land-based responders need to know when emergencies occur aboard vessels. Joined by experienced marine firefighting professionals who share real-world insights on ship design, hazardous cargo, access limitations, and the risks of applying traditional land-based tactics in maritime environments. The conversation emphasizes the importance of coordination with ship crews, salvors, and agencies under a unified command structure for responder safety and effective incident management. Listeners will also gain practical lessons learned from past incidents, highlighting the need for specialized training, risk assessment, and slowing down to make informed decisions during these complex, high-risk incidents.

Special Guests:

• Jim Elliott, Chief Operating Officer, T&T Group of Companies
• Chauncey Naylor, Academy Director, Resolve Marine
• Trace Barrow, Battalion Chief (Ret.), Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department

In this episode of The Hazmat Files, we explores the evolving risks and response considerations associated with hydrogen as its use expands across transportation, energy, and industrial applications. Joined by Dr. Christina Baxter, a nationally recognized hazardous materials and CBRNE response, the discussion breaks down hydrogen's unique chemical and thermal hazards and what they mean for first responder safety. Listeners will gain practical insights into pre-incident planning, on-scene response priorities, and critical safety considerations to help responders better prepare for hydrogen-related incidents. Special Guest: Dr. Christina Baxter, CEO, Emergency Response TIPS, Co-Founder of Hazard3, now a Safeware Company

This episode of The Hazmat Files tackles the evolving challenges of toxic and poison inhalation hazards (TIH/PIH) for emergency responders. Host Erica Fischer and chemical industry guests break down the properties of key chemicals, share real-world case studies, and discuss essential training, equipment, and strategies for staying safe amid changing risks. Listeners will gain practical insights to help them recognize, prepare for, and respond confidently to TIH/PIH incidents.

Special Guests:

• Matt Bond, Manager, Logistics, Westlake
• Matt Paynter, Emergency Response and Preparedness Manager, Nutrien
• Ryan Goldsmith, Global Emergency Response Leader, The Chemours Company

This episode of The Hazmat Files explores the critical skills and strategies first responders need when facing chemical facility incidents. Seasoned emergency response leaders: Pete Kirk, Keith Silverman, and Brian Ramsey discuss practical insights, real-world challenges, and actionable steps to help shape responses at chemical facilities.

Special Guests:

• Brian Ramsey, Owner, Emergency Response Training Group
• Keith Silverman, Partner, GoldShield TEAM
• Pete Kirk, NA ES&S Operations Leader, Dow

In this episode of The Hazmat Files, we explore the growing threat of lithium-ion battery fires—power sources behind everyday technology that can turn volatile when they fail. Joined by Lt. John Cassidy (FDNY), Steve Sitton (GrayMar Environmental), and Sean Tuthill (AARCO Environmental), the discussion covers the risks, causes, and response strategies tied to these incidents. From prevention and public education to emergency response and remediation, this episode offers essential insights for anyone concerned with safety in a battery-powered world.

Special Guests:

• Lieutenant John Cassidy, Fire Department City of New York (FDNY)
• Sean Tuthill, Director of Waste Management, AARCO Environmental
• Steve Sitton, Director of Programs and Training, GrayMar Environmental Services

In this timely episode of The Hazmat Files, we examine the shifting landscape of hazardous materials response—from emerging chemical threats to the evolving standards of preparedness. Industry leaders share insights on the biggest risks facing teams today, the tools and training shaping tomorrow's response, and how hazmat teams can stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're a seasoned responder or new to the field, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at where hazmat is headed.

Special Guests:

• Chris Hawley, Partner and COO, EMSOL
• Toby Frost, Training Program Manager, Safeware, Inc./Hazard3