Reno County firefighters return home after battling southwest Kansas wildfires
Local task force concludes four-day deployment protecting property near Meade, Ashland and Mineola
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A joint task force of 11 Reno County firefighters returned home around 1:30 p.m. Sunday after spending four days battling massive wildfires and protecting property in southwest Kansas. Deployed on Thursday, the crew from Reno County Fire District 1 and the Hutchinson Fire Department traveled with one command vehicle, one water tender and four brush trucks to confront aggressive blazes initially sparked by dry thunderstorms. The firefighters endured grueling overnight shifts to suppress flames and save homes near Meade, Ashland and Mineola. While the primary task force is now resting from the weekend deployment, several Hutchinson firefighters remained on the scene Sunday afternoon to continue assisting local agencies.
The operation highlights a vital mutual aid partnership across a region where Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat, and state officials have utilized disaster emergency declarations to support counties facing elevated fire dangers. "Over the years, thousands of firefighters have come to Reno County to help us during times of need," Reno County fire officials said in a statement, adding that they were proud to reciprocate the support. "We are incredibly grateful for the firefighters — and their families — who are willing to answer the call." County Fire Administrator Travis Vogt documented the grueling operations, which concluded with a final overnight shift Saturday southeast of Mineola before the main crew was finally relieved.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
