The Texarkana, Arkansas and Texarkana, Texas fire departments are partnering with members of the Arkansas National Guard to sharpen their skills on handling dangerous hazmat materials.
In Thursday's training scenario, the Civil Support Team suited up in hazmat suits to investigate a clandestine meth lab that had been reported to law enforcement. Hazmat officials say keeping up on training helps the team face a wide variety of situations.
The training also aims to build a relationship between the local firefighters and the 61st Civil Support Team.
"You don't want the first time you meet someone to be an emergency where you're trying to figure out protocol, policies and procedures, and how to work together," explained William Smith, Texarkana, Arkansas Fire Department Battalion Chief.