Press Release from Idaho Office of Emergency Management
WEISER, Idaho — Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM), in coordination with Payette and Washington counties, will conduct a full-scale hazardous materials (HazMat) exercise on Friday, June 13, in Weiser, Idaho. Media are invited to observe the exercise and speak with local and state officials involved in its coordination.
This full-scale exercise is part of IOEM’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Idaho’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
The event offers first responders a realistic environment to practice protocols, enhance communication, and strengthen coordination across jurisdictions. The scenario involves a simulated gaseous chemical release caused from a rail tanker car. The exercise will test hazard identification, public alert and warning systems, tactical containment, and joint response strategies.
Media attending can expect to see emergency personnel in full hazmat suits, active decontamination procedures, and multi-agency response teams working to contain the simulated hazard. No real hazardous materials will be used or released during the training, and there is no threat to public health or safety.
Agencies participating in this event include IOEM, Washington County, Payette County, Union Pacific, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Idaho State Police, Caldwell Fire Department, Boise Fire Department, and more.
The exercise aligns with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Preparedness Goal, focusing on building and sustaining core capabilities to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from all hazards.
What:
Full-Scale HazMat Training Exercise
Where:
Amalgamated Sugar Company
829 W. 9th Street Weiser, ID 83672
(Please follow signage marked “Exercise/Training in Progress” to reach the site entrance.)
When:
Friday, June 13, 2025
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. MT
