Johnson County - IA Region IX HazMat Team

03/30/2026

🚜 Spring Road Safety Reminder: Anhydrous Nurse Tanks Are Back on the Roads

As spring fieldwork ramps up, you’ll see more anhydrous ammonia nurse tanks traveling on rural roads and highways. These tanks move slowly, make wide turns, and need extra space to stop safely.
What drivers should keep in mind:

Slow down early when approaching farm equipment or nurse tanks.

Give plenty of space—they can’t maneuver or stop like a regular vehicle.

Be patient when passing and only do so when you have a long, clear stretch of road.

Watch for turn signals—many tanks make wide left turns into field drives.

Stay alert at intersections where equipment may be entering or leaving the roadway.

A little patience goes a long way in keeping everyone safe during the busy spring season. 🌱

⚠️ Additional Safety Reminder: Anhydrous Ammonia Hazards

Anhydrous ammonia is a hazardous chemical used in spring fieldwork. A release can spread quickly and cause severe irritation to the eyes, throat, and lungs. Even small exposures can be dangerous, which is why awareness on the road matters.

Key points for the public:

If you smell a strong, sharp ammonia odor, move away immediately. Distance is the safest response.

Do not approach a leaking tank or cloud. Leave the area and call 911.

Avoid driving into visible vapors. Turn around or wait for emergency responders to direct traffic.

Give farm equipment extra space. Sudden stops or collisions can increase the risk of a release.

Follow detours or road closures near agricultural operations—these are often put in place for chemical safety.

Anhydrous ammonia is essential for agriculture, and a little awareness helps keep everyone safe during the busy spring season.

01/10/2026

A huge thank you to Captain and Trainign Officer, Spencer Culver for his service to Coralville and Johnson County. 🚒

We are grateful that Spencer is going to stay with the HAZMAT team and continue as our Training Officer for the volunteer side of the team. ☣️

We want to take a moment to recognize and thank Spencer Culver as he transitions from his role as an employee of the Coralville Fire Department.

While we’ll miss him in his employee role, we’re incredibly grateful that he will continue to serve as a volunteer and remain part of the Coralville Fire family. Thank you, Spencer, for everything you’ve given to this department and for continuing to support our community. We truly appreciate all that you do.

12/05/2025

Earlier this week EMA (finally) awarded a retirement plaque to long time team member Troy Roth. Troy retired in June from ICFD and the HAZMAT team. While we miss his knowledge and contributions to the team he deserves the well earned break from the fire service. Hope you are enjoying a normal sleeping pattern once again! 💤

11/14/2025

Thanks to the State Hygienic Laboratory, Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Radiological Health Bureau and Iowa State University EH&S for another great HAZMAT training this morning. Today members of our team, Linn County Regional Hazmat Team and the Iowa National Guard 71st CST refreshed on radiological, biological and chemical threats and the devices to help detect these substances.

Do you have a background in hazmat or safety? Are you interested in volunteering for your community? We are looking to add members to our team and you could be a great addition. Request more information or an application by emailing [email protected].

11/03/2025

On Thursday of last week ICFD Battalion Chief Greg Tinnes, who has served as the Hazmat Team’s Group Supervisor for the last 8 years, worked his last shift and retired after 30 years in the fire service. EMA presented BC Tinnes a plaque as an attempt to say thank you for all of it.

We have appreciated his leadership and commitment to the team. While we will miss his knowledge and skill set, we wish him all the best in retirement and life after shift work. Here’s to a full night’s sleep, Chief!

10/23/2025

Members of the HAZMAT team are in Newton today along with Task Force teams from across Iowa training on on propane and the new flaring equipment that was donated to all of Iowa teams by the IGPA!

10/02/2025

Yesterday, Johnson County HAZMAT, which covers response for all of Johnson County and half of Cedar County, was awarded equipment by the Iowa Propane Gas Association. This equipment was made available by the Association to all of the HAZMAT Teams in Iowa through their grant program for response agencies. Statewide training occurs later this month and our members that attend that will then train up our team before year's end.

08/19/2025

HazMat 1 will be there! Hope to see y’all there!!!
☕️ 🚒 🚓 🚑 ☕️

Join us and your local first responders this Saturday for Safety & Sips at Dunn Brothers Coffee! We're excited to see everybody out there.

Coralville Police Department North Liberty Fire Department Johnson County Sheriff's Office University of Iowa Campus Safety Joint Emergency Communications Center Johnson County - IA Region IX HazMat Team

01/17/2025

Hazmat Team Members Culver and Jiras spent time Monday evening providing Oxford Fire with training and an overview of our team’s capabilities and equipment.