Boston– The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) has expanded its hazardous materials response capabilities by adding eight XplorIR handheld gas analyzers from 908 Devices Inc. The devices, designed to rapidly detect and identify unknown gases and chemical vapors, were delivered in the first quarter of 2025, with responder training completed in the second quarter.
Each of the seven counties in the COG region, along with the District of Columbia, received one of the advanced analyzers, enhancing regional preparedness for chemical emergencies. The XplorIR is capable of identifying and quantifying up to 5,000 chemical threats in seconds, offering critical real-time information to first responders operating in high-risk environments.
Peter J. Dziubla, Captain of the Hazardous Materials Unit at DC Fire and EMS, praised the new technology as a vital tool for safety. “The XplorIR is a crucial addition to our response toolkit,” he said. “The ability to quickly detect and identify an unknown gas provides the information we need to contain a potentially dangerous situation and to keep people safe.”
908 Devices, based in Boston, specializes in purpose-built, portable chemical analysis tools. The XplorIR was developed to meet the needs of field teams responding to emergencies, with a rugged design, intuitive interface, and rapid analysis capabilities.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments plays a central role in coordinating emergency response and public safety efforts across the region, bringing together leadership from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. By standardizing advanced response tools like the XplorIR across its jurisdictions, the council aims to strengthen homeland security planning, interagency coordination, and emergency response readiness.
