The 30th annual Hazmat Challenge is a one-of-a-kind training event for first responders with full-scale sets, props and special effects.
The challenge is free to hazmat teams. Registration is first come, first serve. There is some federal and state grant money available to offset travel expenses. Teams can have no more than five participants.
The challenge runs from August 17-21 at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico. The week-long event includes numerous scenarios capped off by an obstacle course challenge and awards ceremony.
Also Read: Hazmat Expert Edward Bernas
Emergency personnel can sharpen their skills in simulated emergencies, from derailed trains to drug lab explosions, overturned tankers, radiological incidents and more.
The 2026 Hazmat Challenge will be conducted in accordance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 and NFPA 470 to meet Hazardous Materials Technician qualification standards and to ensure training certification captures:
- Refresher credit
- Continuous Education Units
- Competencies
- Job Performance Requirements
To learn more or register your team, visit the Hazmat Challenge website.
