Framework for the Future 2030

Special Operations Teams

The Newport News Fire Department recognizes the community’s need for emergency responses involving specialized operations and functions.  In an effort to continually offer and improve services to the community, the Fire Department supports the Special Operations Teams Program to provide specialized response to, as well as preparation for, potential catastrophic events.  The Department’s four specialty teams are located at various stations in the City.

Hazardous Materials Response Team
The Hazardous Materials Response Team, located at Oyster Point Fire Station No.6, provides emergency response and mitigation to incidents involving nuclear, biological and/or chemical materials to the entire Peninsula and surrounding jurisdictions. Duties include assessment and containment of the hazardous situation and environment; decontamination services that may include the surrounding population; coordinating evacuation operations if necessary; and monitoring clean-up activities.  This team also serves as Virginia’s Peninsula Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team. 

Marine Incident Response Team
The Marine Incident Response Team (MIRT), located at the Washington Avenue Fire Station No.1, provides emergency response and mitigation to incidents that occur in water-related / marine-type environments.  Duties include underwater search, rescue and recovery operations; attack and extinguishment of fires within ships / boats; and assistance to citizens and/or vessels in distress.  MIRT participates as a partner in the Hampton Roads Maritime Incident Response Team and assists the Virginia Port Authority when needed.  Three 3000 gallon per minute portable/trailer fire pumps are located strategically in Newport News, Norfolk and Portsmouth.  Should a ship or pier fire be reported, the team would be activated by the appropriate Fire Department, and equipment, manpower and other resources will be made available to the affected municipality.  Since the last Framework update, the City of Newport News Fire Department has purchased a 33-foot Metalcraft fire boat.  The Department has also acquired a 24-foot rigid hull inflatable boat with a portable fire pump for shallow water and marina fires.

Technical Rescue Team
The Technical Rescue Team, located at the Hidenwood Fire Station No. 10 and the Wickham Avenue Fire Station No. 2, provides emergency response and mitigation to incidents concerning collapsed structures, confined spaces, below grade trench situations, and entrapments.  Duties include efficient stabilization of vehicles, heavy equipment, building, etc., for safe entry to access victims; quick and effective rescue, removal and/or recovery of victims from elevated or below grade environments, confined spaces, building collapses, etc.; and the promotion of safety among all operations within the Department.  Additional duties include advanced and difficult Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) functions on emergency incidents. The Technical Rescue Team participates as a member with the Peninsula Regional Technical Rescue Team, Tidewater Regional Technical Rescue Team, and FEMA Urban Search and Rescue VA Task Force 2.

Bomb Squad

The Bomb Squad, located at Briarfield Fire Station No.7, falls under the supervision of the Fire Marshal’s Office.  It provides emergency response and mitigation to incidents dealing with unknown objects that are suspected to be explosive, and biological or chemical threats in Newport News and Hampton. Duties include securing safe access to and efficient removal and disposal of unknown, explosive, or suspicious items, and providing technical assistance in investigations concerning such devices.  The Bomb Squad is fully accredited by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  The Fire Department has acquired a “bomb robot” and a bomb detection dog to provide a greater degree of safety to citizens and Bomb Squad Personnel.