Fire chief Barkley resigns effective March 6

Commission appoints Braden Steckel as interim fire chief

Emergency management coordinator also resigns

Fire staff requests separation of emergency management duties

Three fire trucks returning to service

Work session scheduled to debrief recent wildfires

County commission enacts immediate burn ban

Commission to review enforcement of burn ban fines

Fire chief Barkley resigns effective March 6

LIBERAL, Kan. — Seward County Fire Chief Andrew Barkley has submitted his resignation effective March 6, a departure announced by County Administrator April Warden during a special meeting Tuesday. The resignation arrives during a period of significant regional fire activity, necessitating an immediate reorganization of department leadership to maintain operational continuity.

Commission appoints Braden Steckel as interim fire chief

LIBERAL, Kan. — Following a recommendation from fire department staff, the county commission voted 5-0 to appoint Braden Steckel as interim fire chief while Deputy Chief John Steckel maintains his current role. Interim Fire Chief Braden Steckel addressed the commission following the appointment, highlighting the department's need to concentrate on fire operations during the ongoing dry conditions.

Emergency management coordinator also resigns

LIBERAL, Kan. — In a concurrent personnel change, Emergency Management Coordinator Rosa Conley has resigned with her final day also set for March 6, leaving the county without a designated director for emergency management services. County Administrator April Warden stated the county is seeking interim assistance from retired personnel or neighboring counties to manage the department until a permanent replacement is hired.

Fire staff requests separation of emergency management duties

LIBERAL, Kan. — Fire department leadership formally requested that the commission decouple the emergency management department from the fire department, arguing that the combined structure established after the retirement of former manager Greg Standard has overextended staff. Interim Fire Chief Braden Steckel informed the commission that firefighters need to prioritize suppression efforts rather than administrative disaster planning, indicating the current arrangement is no longer sustainable.

Three fire trucks returning to service

LIBERAL, Kan. — Interim Fire Chief Braden Steckel reported that the department is recovering from recent intense fire activity and expects three trucks to return to service this week. Steckel noted that repairing the equipment is a critical priority to ensure the department is adequately prepared for potential large-scale events during the remainder of the spring fire season.

Work session scheduled to debrief recent wildfires

LIBERAL, Kan. — The commission scheduled a special work session for Monday, March 2, at 4 p.m. to debrief on recent major wildfire events and review operational challenges. Requested by County Administrator April Warden and fire staff, the approximately 90-minute session aims to address communication breakdowns while the incidents remain fresh in the minds of responders.

County commission enacts immediate burn ban

LIBERAL, Kan. — Citing dry conditions and high winds, the county commission voted 5-0 to approve an immediate countywide burn ban effective through the first commission meeting in April. Commissioners added the item to the agenda at the start of the meeting, noting that rekindled burns from previous days likely contributed to recent fires and necessitating the ban to prevent further emergencies.

Commission to review enforcement of burn ban fines

LIBERAL, Kan. — Commissioners and fire staff discussed strengthening the enforcement of burn ban violations, as Interim Fire Chief Braden Steckel noted the fire department currently lacks the mechanism to effectively issue citations under the existing resolution. The commission intends to review the resolution and explore collaboration with the Sheriff's Office to ensure the burn ban and its associated fines up to $500 are enforceable.

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