Local firefighters got as close to a hazardous material event as they could on Monday without an actual incident occurring.

A simulated leak of hydrous ammonia occurred at the Panther Creek Energy Plant in Nesquehoning and was handled by volunteers from three fire departments as well as other emergency responders.

About three dozen firefighters took part in the drill, said Nesquehoning Fire Chief John McArdle.

Besides all stations of the Nesquehoning Fire Department, also on the scene were the Lansford and Jim Thorpe fire departments.

In addition, Lehighton Ambulance responded as did Robert Miller, chairman of the Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Mark Nalesnik, Carbon County Emergency Management Coordinator, led the drill.

The use of the Panther Creek Energy Plant for the drill was coordinated by Cliff Heistand, Emergency, Health & Safety Coordinator for the firm.

Heistand directed the firefighters through the plant.

He said, “I think this is a good thing. I’d rather see them here under these conditions than during an actual emergency. I’m glad we can help them with the exercise.”

Among the demonstrations the firefighters conducted was decontamination at the emergency scene. McArdle said several fire departments have Trident nozzles on their trucks specifically for mass decontamination.

He unfurled two large blankets used in the decontamination process. The blankets serve as a shield for the firefighters during the decontamination process.

“In the fire service, any opportunity to train only better prepares the responders in knowing their roles and experiences they gain in the outcome of their participation,” McArdle said.

McArdle said bringing the departments together with a hazmat contractor allowed the fire department to test their Standard Operation Guidelines.

He said an anhydrous ammonia incident can occur not only at a facility but also as a transportation incident as well.

“Having a facility such as Panther Creek allowing the fire departments train at their facility creates a more realistic scenario providing hands on training,” McArdle added. “Trainings or drills of this nature are geared to gain a better knowledge and understanding of handling a situation should it occur.” Nalesnik added, “This is good training for the fire departments. There could be a transportation or industrial incident and this helps them be prepared.”

One important aspect of the exercise, Nalesnik said, was the rapid response for spill containment.

Although a primary focus was on the knowledge and safety of the responders in handling such a situation, spill containment is also a priority.

Heistand not only praised the response of the firefighters, but their ability to handle the simulated situation.

While the firefighters were working on containment and other aspects of the drill, Nalesnik either oversaw the situation or coordinated the activity on a pair computers in his command vehicle.

At first observation, Nalesnik said he felt the drill went “very well.”