The Seacoast Technical Assistance Response Team (START) is an arm of the Seacoast Chief Fire Officers Mutual Aid District and it’s make up comprises 32 Haz-Mat Technicians, 7 Team Leaders and a Team Coordinator. Activated thru Hampton Fire Alarm team Leaders assist communities with initial response & size up or general consultations prior to full team activation. Also available are support personnel from the SCOMAD communities and agencies if needed. The Full Team responds with a heavy rescue/haz-mat response vehicle (HM1) housed in Portsmouth, a similarly equipped response trailer housed in Exeter, a fully stocked Decon trailer housed in Dover and a NHDES spill trailer from Hampton. Other available assets include three SCBA support units housed in Rochester, Lee and Rye, two mobile light towers from Portsmouth and Hampton or a mobile command post truck housed at Newmarket Fire.
The Seacoast Technical Assistance Response Team (START) provides planning, training and emergency hazardous materials response to member communities by combining the resources of the fire service, communities, industry and individuals. This regional concept allows for members proper training, education and equipment resources for the protection of life and property while giving top priority to safety and environmental concerns.