SOUTH BEND — You may have heard about a chemical spill or a hazardous materials leak that shut down a road or evacuated a building. Local firefighters have to do a lot to prepare to clean up those types of situations.

In a simulated Haz-Mat spill Thursday, firefighters demonstrated how they would dress for and clean up a chlorine spill.

The incident command center is always set up at least 100 yards from a hazardous materials situation. That's where rescuers can do research on the chemical that is spilled and figure out the best way to safely clean it up.

The Haz-Mat suits protect firefighters from liquids, vapors and any other kinds of chemical exposures.

"It's very difficult for the guys to get dressed," explained South Bend Fire Captain Troy Kerckhove. "Usually [it takes] two and three men to get dressed, so it's very time consuming."

To see the decontamination process at the end of a Haz-Mat operation, click "Watch the Video" above.

The Tactical Rescue training involves more than Haz-Mat operations. Monday South Bend firefighters demonstrated live water rescues in the East Race. Tuesday they showed a rope rescue scenario on top of a four story building and Wednesday they demonstrated a car extrication. Friday's special rescue will be a live confined space drill.

Saturday May 24, South Bend firefighters will host an open house at their Central Station on Michigan Street from 1-4 p.m. You can stop by for free, bring the family and check out the special rescue equipment.