The Phoenix City Council approved the creation of the Special Hazards Unit within the Phoenix Fire Department in November 2000. The Special Hazards Unit consists of nine  Fire Captains, two Fire Prevention Specialist, two Data Control Specialists and two Fire Protection Engineer all supervised by a Deputy Chief.

The Special Hazards Unit identifies, inspects, determines assessment fees, and issues permits to businesses storing and using hazardous materials. Other responsibilities include new construction plan review of above ground storage tanks, inspection of pressure vessels and hazmat processing equipment such as piping, reactors, chemical mixing equipment, pressure relief devices and spray booths.

The Special Hazard Unit Captains average over 20 years of emergency response experience.  They have completed 160 hours of training on hazardous materials and must complete 40 hours of continuing education per year. The Special Hazards Unit also conducts bi-monthly training sessions that are open to the public.  

 Click here for more information on training

On October 3, 2001 the Phoenix City Council approved an annual Hazardous Materials Assessment Fee. This fee is retroactive to any business that currently has a Phoenix Fire Department permit for the following hazardous materials:

• Level 2 and Level 3 Aerosols
• Class I, II and III-A Flammable & Combustible Liquids
• Cryogenic Fluids
• Compressed and Liquefied Compressed Gases classified as Hazardous Materials by the Phoenix Fire Code
• Solids and liquids classified as Hazardous Materials by the Phoenix Fire Code
• Liquefied Petroleum Gases

Hazardous Materials Permit Application
PDF Version    

Training Opportunities

Hazardous Materials Advisory Committee

Permit Amounts and Fees

Incident Reporting Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

Special Hazards Unit Fire Code Summary Sheets