Chicago Area Clean Cities Provides Alternative Fuels Training for First Responders

Chicago Area Clean Cities (CACC) and the West Chicago Fire Protection District teamed up to provide training for first responders to learn how to handle incidents involving alternative-fuel vehicles. The hands-on training allowed participants to learn how to respond to emergency events via simulated emergencies, using alt-fuel vehicles provided by local fleets.

“Alternative-fuel vehicles are becoming more popular for many reasons,” said John Walton, chair, Chicago Area Clean Cities. “They have lower tailpipe emissions, they reduce the use of petroleum, they are quieter, and they can help fleets save money. With the growing number of alternative fuel and electric vehicles on the roads, it is important for first responders to understand the properties of fuels such as natural gas.”

As a part of the training, first responders also participate in online, self-guided training provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

CACC is a nonprofit coalition focused on promoting clean transportation in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. CACC is one of more than 90 coalitions across the country affiliated with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program, which brings together stakeholders to increase the use of alternative fuel and advanced-vehicle technologies, reduce idling, and improve fuel economy and air quality.