10/24/2026
🔥 Kansas Forest Service continues to answer the call to help our neighbors.
Kansas Forest Service continues to provide wildfire resources to states across the country when additional help is needed during fire season. Earlier this season, Kansas Forest Service Engine 31, a 2024 International HV 507 4x4 Type 3 Wildland Fire Engine, and firefighters from the Kansas Forest Service, Hutchinson, and Lenexa Fire Departments traveled to North Dakota to support the state’s wildfire response. The crew and engine were ordered for a wildland fire severity assignment.
So, what does that mean?
A severity assignment is different from being sent to a specific wildfire. Instead of responding to an existing fire, resources are requested when conditions indicate that wildfire activity could increase and the local response may need additional capacity.
Factors such as drought, dry fuels, weather conditions, fire danger, and increased human activity can contribute to elevated wildfire potential. During these periods, an agency may request additional engines, crews, or other resources and position them to respond quickly if a wildfire starts.
The goal is simple: be ready before the fire starts.
Having additional resources strategically positioned can reduce response times and increase the ability to catch a fire while it is still small. North Dakota used this approach to preposition engines and personnel when conditions warrant.
This Kansas Forest Service crew responded to three fires during this assignment. The crew reported to Fort Yates, North Dakota. From there, they worked throughout both North and South Dakota as assignments came up. This was a very unique assignment with a lot of road time chasing new starts between North and South Dakota.
There were four firefighters assigned to this truck. Two were from Lenexa Fire, one was from Hutchinson Fire, and DFMO Brad Ilonummi was the engine boss representing the Kansas Forest Service.
Wildfire response is a team effort that crosses state lines. North Dakota has sent firefighters and equipment to Kansas during our wildfire seasons, and we're proud to return the favor when our neighbors need additional resources!
