Tactical decisions at hazardous materials emergencies are heavily influenced by the released chemicals and their properties. Using NFPA 470 (2022) Chapters 34 and 38 as the framework, we will make tactical decisions at hazardous materials incidents fall into place using chemical demonstrations, scenario-based exercises, and hands-on chemical identification exercises using a variety of air-monitoring and sample identification equipment. We will examine the effect of chemical class, concentration, and complexity of mixtures on detection, identification, and product control. The class is highly interactive with students leading the direction of the class as we discuss multiple scenarios culled from the news and experience to illustrate the chemistry of hazardous materials.