The hazardous materials (hazmat) team from Barrie Fire and Emergency Service will participate in a full-scale training exercise in the Alliston area this week involving a rail-based chemical fire.
The County of Simcoe and Town of New Tecumseth have issued an advisory to let local residents know about a staged emergency exercise that will take place Thursday, Sept. 25 at CPKC Spence Pre-Tripping Facility, located just west of the 11th Line and Tottenham Road intersection.
"This exercise will help emergency personnel learn, practise and test the co-ordination of emergency services on scene in the context of a chemical leak originating from a rail car," states the advisory.
During the training exercise, the county says non-toxic, coloured smoke could be seen in the area, as well as additional emergency vehicles and personnel in hazmat suits.
The town's emergency operations centre will also be activated for the simulation.
The response will include the county’s emergency management personnel, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services, New Tecumseth Fire Rescue, Barrie Fire hazmat team, Ontario Provincial Police and staff from CPKC Railway.
The exercise is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.