The Pas Fire Department has been keeping its crews busy over the past several weeks, taking part in a series of specialized training exercises designed to strengthen emergency response skills.

Firefighters have been working through hazardous materials operations training, including the use of the Emergency Response Guidebook to quickly identify dangerous substances, establish safety perimeters, and determine appropriate evacuation or containment strategies.

Members have also been practicing with Class A HazMat suits, working through the procedures for safely putting on, operating in, and removing the fully vapour-protective equipment.

The department says this type of ongoing training is essential to keeping firefighters prepared for high-risk incidents, including chemical spills and other hazardous material emergencies.

The continued professional development helps ensure crews are ready to protect The Pas and surrounding communities when emergencies happen.