Which units are assigned to all incidents involving the decon unit?

• A. Fire 9 and a hazardous materials team
• B. Fire 21 and a police unit
• C. Fire 7 and a rescue squad
• D. Fire 14 and EMS

Answer: (A)

When decontamination is needed, the essential pairing is a hazardous materials (HazMat) team with a responding fire engine such as Fire 9. Decon operations involve handling hazardous substances, so trained HazMat personnel are required to assess the scene, manage PPE and contamination control, and lead the decontamination process to protect responders and the public. The accompanying fire engine provides critical support: establishing water supply, facilitating access, and backing up the decon crew with manpower and equipment as needed. Other units like police, EMS, or a rescue squad may be involved in specific aspects (security, medical care, or extrication), but the standard, universal assignment for all decon incidents is Fire 9 and the HazMat team.