When trains carrying hazardous materials derail, fire fighters and the communities they serve face imminent dangers from toxic smoke, chemical exposure, explosions, and contaminated runoff. Just three years ago, the East Palestine, OH derailment showed how entire communities can be devastated and lives lost when rail safety is cut short. When these derailments occur, fire fighters are called on to contain the chemicals and protect their communities. Sadly, fire fighters nationwide are often left ill-prepared and untrained for this task. To make matters worse, communities often deny fire fighters critical medical monitoring to assess their risk for developing cancer and other health conditions as a result of their responses. Congress cannot allow fire fighters to be put in harm's way without at least ensuring they are properly trained, equipped, and protected.

The IAFF is proud to support the bipartisan Railway Safety Act (H.R. 7748/S. 3903), which will expand hazmat training resources to better prepare fire fighters nationwide and establish key medical monitoring programs to help fire fighters remain healthy after they go home.  America's fire fighters and communities are counting on Congress to pass commonsense legislation to strengthen railroad safety and ensure fire fighters have every opportunity to do their jobs safely and effectively.