Dallas County Holds Hazmat and Mass Casualty Exercise

Training drill tests emergency response coordination for complex incidents

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:35pm

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The Dallas County Emergency Management Agency is hosting a joint training exercise today to prepare for hazardous materials incidents and mass casualty events. The functional drill will bring together multiple responding agencies across the county to practice emergency protocols at the Human Services Campus and Minburn Fire Department.

Why it matters

Hazmat and mass casualty incidents require extensive coordination among various agencies to address immediate injuries, contain hazardous substances, protect public health, and manage disruptions. This exercise allows Dallas County to test its emergency plans, identify gaps, and strengthen its overall response capabilities for complex situations.

The details

During the 8-11 a.m. drill, the public may see an increased presence of emergency vehicles and first responders at the two exercise locations, as well as on the roads in between. The training will allow the county to practice protocols for triaging and treating a sudden influx of patients, as well as containing hazardous materials and mitigating environmental damage.

  • The exercise will take place from around 8-11 a.m. on April 11, 2026.

The players

Dallas County Emergency Management Agency

The county agency responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

Minburn Fire Department

A local fire department participating in the joint training exercise.

AJ Seely

The director of the Dallas County Emergency Management Agency.

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What they’re saying

“Hazmat and mass casualty incidents require extensive coordination among multiple agencies. This exercise allows us to test our plans, identify gaps, and strengthen our response to complex situations.”

— AJ Seely, Director, Dallas County Emergency Management Agency

The takeaway

This training exercise demonstrates Dallas County's proactive approach to emergency preparedness, ensuring its first responders and agencies are equipped to handle a range of complex incidents that could impact public safety and critical infrastructure.