Danville Fire Department's hazardous response team getting an update

DANVILLE (WSLS 10) - The Danville Fire Department's hazardous response team will soon be able to more effectively respond to incidents.

The team has received a $60,000 state grant to purchase new equipment.

The money will also be used to pay a California company to train the team how to use the company's updated computer software.

When the team responds to an incident, the software will help more accurately determine things like what direction a gas cloud is blowing, what chemicals are in the air and what precautions need to be taken.

"That program's awesome," said Danville Fire Department Battalion Chief and Hazardous Response Team Coordinator Barry Neal. "It's been updated some, so they're coming here. We'll have 20 computer stations working at one time."

A vote to appropriate the grant money, so it can be used, will take place at the March 21 Danville City Council meeting.