A mail survey of Nebraska fire departments/districts was conducted during summer 1983 to assess the human and physical resources available to them with special emphasis on equipment and protective clothing needed in pesticide-related emergencies. It also assessed general preparedness for responding to agrichemical emergencies, particularly those involving pesticides, and determined the scope of experience in responding to pesticide-related emergencies. Oxygen supplies for medical emergencies were carried by 27 percent of the firefighting vehicles; 70 percent had a medical emergency kit available. In approximately 6 of every 10 departments, less than half of the personnel had completed an Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter First Aid, or equivalent course. More than half of the departments had special equipment (self-contained breathing apparatus, chemical suits) available for use in contaminated environments. Most departments assigned personnel without training on how to deal with special situations (e.g., chemical fires) and reported spending four hours or less in-service training time on that same topic within the past three years. Few departments reported that significant percentages of their personnel had certificates, diplomas, or degrees in firefighting or related areas. Most responses to calls during 1982 involving pesticides were located in rural areas. (YLB)