As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
Explosives; chemicals, either liquid or dry; poisons; petroleum products; radioactive materials; or any other product defined as a hazardous material by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
INCIDENT
An emergency of any kind which involves a hazardous material.
The incidents shall be defined by a response level as described below. The basic guideline for definition of response levels is as follows:
A. 
Level 1: Controlled emergency condition.
(1) 
Incident that can be controlled by the primary response agencies of a local jurisdiction.
(2) 
Single jurisdiction and limited agency involvement.
(3) 
Does not require evacuation, except for the structure or immediate affected area.
(4) 
No immediate threat to life, health or property.
B. 
Level 2: Limited emergency condition.
(1) 
Potential threat to life, health or property.
(2) 
Expanded geographic area.
(3) 
Limited evacuation of nearby residents or facilities.
(4) 
Involvement of two or three jurisdictions.
(5) 
Limited participation or mutual aid from agencies that do not routinely respond to emergency incidents in the area.
(6) 
Specialist or technical team called to the scene.
(7) 
Combined emergency operations, such as fire fighting and evacuation, or containment and emergency care.
C. 
Level 3: Full emergency condition.
(1) 
Serious hazard or severe threat to life, health or property.
(2) 
Large geographical impact.
(3) 
Major community evacuation.
(4) 
Multijurisdictional involvement.
(5) 
State and federal involvement.
(6) 
Specialist and technical teams involved.
(7) 
Extensive resource management involved.
(8) 
Multiple emergency operations.
All incidents involving or potentially involving a hazardous material as defined above in any quantity will be a "hazardous materials incident." Initially, all incidents will be Level 1; any upgrades in levels will normally be declared by the senior fire officer of the first arriving unit at the scene.