LYON COUNTY, Kan. — A Lyon County fire task force deployed to southwest Kansas to assist with ongoing wildfires narrowly escaped injury after a fire truck became disabled while crews battled rapidly spreading flames near Meade.
According to a release from Lyon County Fire District No. 5, the district was requested through the Kansas Division of Emergency Management to respond to multiple wildfires in southwest Kansas. The task force included firefighters from Lyon County, Olpe Fire, Coffey County Fire District No. 1, and Osage County Fire District No. 3 in the Melvern and Olivet area.
Crews were initially assigned to monitor hotspots around the perimeter of the Herman Ranch Fire. However, firefighters were later redirected after another large grass fire developed and began moving quickly toward Meade.
While crews were actively fighting the fire, officials said conditions deteriorated rapidly and firefighters were instructed to move to safety.
During the evacuation effort, Heavy Brush Truck 5542 suffered an unexpected mechanical failure and could not be restarted despite multiple attempts. Firefighters were forced to abandon the vehicle as flames rapidly approached.
Another fire unit traveling in the response line immediately stopped and picked up the stranded firefighters, transporting them safely out of the fire area. No injuries were reported.
The abandoned fire truck sustained major fire damage and is expected to be considered a total loss.
Lyon County Fire District No. 5 expressed gratitude to firefighters from Kiowa County and the Minneola Fire Department for their quick actions in helping ensure the safety of personnel during the incident.
Fire officials said the incident highlights the dangers firefighters face while battling fast-moving wildfires under volatile weather conditions. The district also extended thoughts and prayers to firefighters, ranchers and residents affected by the ongoing fires in southwest Kansas.