DeKALB – Responding to a major chemical spill that could have fatal consequences could be stressful for many firefighters.

Doing so in a puffy blue suit with limited mobility and visibility only adds to the difficulty, which is why DeKalb Fire Department Battalion Chief Jeff McMaster was happy to practice with his specialized hazardous material team Thursday for the first time in years.

The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System Division 6 HAZMAT squad, comprised of firefighters from DeKalb, Sycamore and Rochelle, practiced responding to major chemical spills for more than five hours at the water tower on West Dresser Street in DeKalb.