Garnett Fire Department

03/24/2026

**Burn ban lifted**
Good afternoon. We just wanted to stop in and give an update for today Wednesday March 24th. Originally we planned on not allowing burning within the city limits of Garnett due to projected high winds. After an updated weather outlook we have decided to allow burning for the rest of the day in the city. The next few days have projected wind gusts of 30 mph and will ultimately result in a burn ban. Weather conditions are closely monitored and burn bans could change with an updated weather forecast. Burn bans are put into place for your safety and the safety of others. With close proximity of homes and structures within the city limits we make decisions that we feel best aligns with everyone's safety and the safety of their property.

If you plan to burn please make sure all fires are thoroughly extinguished before the 30mph wind gust the next few days.

Before you burn make sure to call Anderson County Communications at 785-448-6823 option 4.

Burn permits must be obtained before any burning occurs. An adequate water source shall be on hand for extinguishing the fire. Fires shall be monitored at all times before being thoroughly extinguished. Thank you for doing your part.

Chief Skillman
[email protected]

03/20/2026

From the US National Weather Service Topeka Kansas.
Conditions will continue to be warm, even hot in some cases, through the next few days. Along with breezy winds and dry air, fire weather conditions will be very high to extreme this weekend. Any planned burns should be postponed and any recent burns should be checked to ensure they are completely extinguished.

03/11/2026

American Red Cross will be setting up a site at the Church of the Nazarene and handing out supplies to those who are needing them. They will be providing snacks, water, and food between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

03/05/2026

Garnett Fire Department is excited to host a Firefighter 1 class. This class is instructed by Kansas Fire and Rescue Training Institute. Class is starting immediately and is Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. There will also be a few 2 to 3 Saturdays and 1 Sunday 9-4. At the end of this class students will be able to test for their National certification.

*In order to achieve national certification prerequisites include Hazmat awareness and Hazmat operations. However you can take this class and go back and do your hazmat portion. This class is free for all firefighters in the state. There is a cost for the testing usually around $50.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, s*x, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, s*xual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university'...

03/01/2026

Another part of our job as the fire department is public education. We're not here to say that anybody did anything wrong. We wanted to take this opportunity to highlight how quickly things can change. A controlled burn that turned into much more than what the permit holder imagined. As we all know the weather in Kansas is quite unpredictable. A change in wind speed and wind direction can happen anytime. In the photos below you can see how the wind assisted the fire in crossing the roadway catching two neighboring pastures on fire. You can also see in the photos how closely it got to structures. Even though these structures were not anywhere near where the original fire was started they still became in danger. Fire crews were headed to another fire when dispatched to this one luckily crews were able to reroute to this incident. This fire was wind driven and fast moving with little to no visibility when out in the pastures. On scene fire crews were able to get this stopped before it claimed structures and more farm land. We've only just begun with grass fire season. This was just a simple reminder of how things can change. Also please keep an eye out for us when we are responding to emergencies. We always appreciate when people slow down and pull over for us so we can get there safely. Thank you.

02/28/2026

February 28th 2026.
A burn ban will be in place for the city of Garnett. Due to expected high winds no burning will be allowed within the city limits.

There are going to be occasions where there is burning allowed in the county but not in the city limits. This is due to the closer proximity of structures within the city.

A few reminders you can burn yard waste when burning is allowed. Burning of trash is not permitted in the city. Before any burning takes place Anderson County Communications needs to be contacted for a burn permit at 785-448-6823 Option 4. This is how you will learn if a ban is in place and rules for burning. Permits are no cost to the permit holder. They are only good for the day you obtained it. Fires shall not be left unattended and an adequate source of water shall be available to extinguish fire.

Over the last few weeks we have had multiple burning without permit calls. Burning without permit that got out of control. Calls where there was no means to extinguish the fire once it got out of control. We've also arrived to find no one watching their fire. These are all offenses that could earn a ticket. We definitely don't want that and we don't want someone's mistake to cause a house to catch on fire. We want everybody to remain safe and we also want to think of the safety of our firefighters that serve this community. Thank you for your understanding.

01/17/2026

On January 16th at 8:28 pm Garnett Fire Department was made aware of a potential unknown product spill at 7th and Maple within Garnett city limits. Crews responded and the product was found and identified. The trucking company was identified within 15 minutes of the call. The product was identified as wet distillers grain that when on the roadway creates a slick surface. This product is not hazardous however it created a traffic hazard. GFD was able to utilize shovels and brooms to start clean up of the product. Garnett street department arrived and utilized the street sweeper to aid in clean up. A fine rock was also spread at the spill site to aid in traction. There was and is no danger to the public.
Chief Skillman

01/01/2026

As we wrap up our busiest year yet, we'd like to share some highlights. Thank you for your support in 2025, and we're excited for 2026.

12/29/2025

We would like to thank Michelle and Deb with W.I.N.G.S. for their support. Amazing organizations like them helping other organizations and businesses do great things in this community.

About W.I.N.G.S. Women In Need Gaining Strength. This amazing organization was founded on the premise that no woman should have to fight the battle against cancer alone and through the comfort, faith and encouragement of others strengths can be given to those in need. Especially those who may not have the ability to acquire the necessary medical help needed W.I.N.G.S. can help with the cost of mammograms, office visits and gas cards to local women in need.
www.wingsathome.org

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at the Garnett Fire Department.

12/20/2025

Over 100 kids came through and hopefully made their Christmas a little brighter. The smiles were priceless. Thanks to Michael Bergen and his amazing crew for making this happen.

12/17/2025

Vote for your favorite.

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