City of Bismarck first responders will be participating in a hazardous materials (hazmat) exercise tomorrow at the Bismarck Event Center. The exercise is expected to begin at 7:30 AM and conclude at 7 PM.
The exercise will be conducted at the east side of Parking Lot D, the parking lot immediately to the south of the Bismarck Event Center. Bowen Avenue, from Fifth Street to Seventh Street, will be closed due to the exercise.
Out of an abundance of caution, exercise activities are being conducted away from residential areas. Please note that responder vehicle movement and other response actions may pose a danger to unsuspecting observers. The public is asked to refrain from entering areas marked “Exercise in Progress” or “TRAINING” to help maintain uninterrupted training activities, as well as ensure the safety of all involved.
Bismarck first responders will be working with Bismarck Emergency Management, on the exercise, as well as the ND National Guard’s 81st Civil Support Team North Dakota Department of Emergency Services Southwest Region Emergency Response Coordinator, Burleigh County Emergency Management, U.S. Army North – Bravo Team, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The purpose of the exercise is to establish and refine partnerships between local, state and federal agencies in responding to incidents involving hazmat that have the potential to overwhelm local resources. The exercise is not related to COVID-19 and has been scheduled since earlier this year.