Colwich Fire Department

09/05/2026

Last night our firefighters were honored to be a part of the dignified transfer of Michael Haas to his family in Bentley. Michael tragically lost his life several days ago while riding with the American Legion Riders in Iowa. Michael was very active in the Bentley community including as a member of their fire department, and as a reserve police officer. Other agencies that were a part of this transfer from Iowa included the Bentley Police Department, American Legion Riders, Sedgwick Fire Department, Mount Hope Fire Department, Andale Police Department, Colwich Police Department, Sedgwick County Fire District #1, and honor guard members from Wichita Fire Department, Fire District #1, and the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department. Indeed the support from all these agencies is a reflection on what Michael meant to the community. RIP Michael Haas

09/03/2026

Effective immediately a burn ban is in effect for Sedgwick County. This is a collaborative effort between all rural fire departments in the county, and Sedgwick County Fire District #1. This ban is due to the continued hot, dry weather conditions, and the forecast of continuing conditions.

No new burn permits are being issued, and current permits are suspended. All open burning, including chiminaes is included in this ban. Use of barbeque grills is exempted from the ban.

The ban will stay in effect until further notice and is going to be reevaluated weekly.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping the community safe.

09/01/2026

At 2 AM this morning Colwich firefighters responded to this fire on 151st Street. The humidity had only recovered to 40% by 2 in the morning, and as a result of that and a 15 mph wind the fire traveled 100 yards. This is an indication of just how dry things are becoming in our area. 100 degree temperatures are forecast for the next week, which will contribute to further drying.

Please be cautious if you do burn. Don't burn if the winds are expected to be gusting over 15 mph. If you do burn, please have some means of extinguishment available, and please ensure the fire is completely extinguished and all hotspots are extinguished as well. Please be cautious with all hot work, and have a fire watch in place. Have those safety chains securely fastened and not dragging. And finally, smokers please don't toss your butts out the windows or in the closest mulch bed.

Thank you for your cooperation and lets be safe.

08/30/2026

The reason we are posting this is as a tribute to Chief Lowell Ester, who is retiring from the Mulvane Fire Department. Throughout the years we have had the privilege of working with Chief Ester and Mulvane through the Rural Chiefs group and on the Sedgwick County Wildland Task Force. We salute Lowell for his hard work and wish him well in retirement.

08/18/2026

Tomorrow the Renwick Schools return to class. This is a reminder that school busses and kids will be out and about.

Drivers, please stop for busses with extended stop arms. Do not pass them.

Please be attentive to school zones. Slow down in posted areas.

If the school crossing signs are flashing. Stop

Be attentive to school crossings and crossing guards.

Watch for children on their way to and from school

08/15/2026

At today's drill we focused on fire hydrants and water supply.

08/15/2026

Our firefighters, along with our automatic aid partners from the Wichita and Mount Hope Fire Departments, responded early this morning to a reported house fire on South 4th Street. The fire was out on arrival of Engine 55 and our partners were disregarded. Investigation determined that v***r from foam sealer being applied during a remodel contacted the water heater pilot light causing a flash fire. The wall was opened in the scorched area, insulation was removed and the fire was declared under control.

08/12/2026

Yesterday evening The Colwich Police Department hosted it's National Night Out celebration. In cooperation with the Fire Department, the City of Colwich, the Colwich Lions Club, the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the Colwich Community Foundation, the Police Department had a chance to serve hot dogs and other refreshments and take time out to chat with the community members.

08/04/2026

Our firefighters met on Monday with the Forest Service to discuss the increasing concerns created by the heat and lack of moisture. This graphic illustrates the moisture deficit. Even though the grass on the surface appears to be green, there is a lot of undergrowth that is dead, drying out, and will burn quickly. Please be cautious with burning.

🔥 What are firefighters seeing that raises concern for increased wildfire activity?

One of the biggest concerns is the long-term lack of rainfall across much of Kansas. As dry conditions continue, grasses and other vegetation lose moisture and become more likely to ignite and spread fire. This is especially true in areas with large, continuous stretches of grass or other vegetation that allow a fire to move quickly across the landscape.

🗺️ What does this map show? The numbers on the map represent how much precipitation each area of Kansas is above or below normal. While northeastern Kansas has received above-average rainfall, most of the state is experiencing a precipitation deficit. The longer these rainfall deficits continue, the drier our vegetation becomes and the greater the potential for wildfires.

Kansas has now reached a point where the conditions are being monitored. Kansas Forest Service will coordinate positioning of personnel and resources with our in-state partners, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Kansas Division of Emergency Management (KDEM). Together, our goal is to be prepared to assist firefighters and communities in Kansas in responding to large, complex wildfires.

08/04/2026

🎒🚒 Back-to-School Kickoff! 🚒🎒
Join us on Saturday, August 22, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM for our Back-to-School Kickoff at Veterans Park!

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled afternoon, and free hot dogs while supplies last, as we celebrate the start of a new school year. We can't wait to see you there!

📍 Veterans Park
🗓️ August 22
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM