Manhattan Fire Department

08/31/2026

You will see emergency vehicles and responders at the airport on September 10 for a training exercise. The opportunity to train helps us keep skills sharp and we appreciate all the effort that goes into planning these events.

Public Notice: Training Exercise Scheduled for September 10 at Manhattan Regional Airport

Manhattan Regional Airport will conduct a full-scale Airport Emergency Plan training exercise on Thursday, September 10, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The exercise will continue until all training objectives are completed and is expected to take two hours.

Residents and motorists may see emergency vehicles and responders in and around the airport area during the exercise. This is a planned training event, and there is no emergency.

The exercise will take place inside the airport perimeter, primarily in the western portion of the airport. It will not affect public, private or commercial flight operations.

To support the training scenario, responders will use an aircraft fuselage, mannequins and role players. Riley County Emergency Management will place informational signs along Skyway Drive and Wildcat Creek Road, and Manhattan Regional Airport will share advance notice on social media.

The Federal Aviation Administration requires airports to conduct a full-scale emergency exercise every three years. The training helps local agencies practice coordinated response procedures.

Riley County EMS | Riley County Fire District #1 | Riley County Emergency Management | Fort Riley | RileyCountyPD | Manhattan Fire Department | City of Manhattan, Kansas - Municipal Government | Riley County, KS Government

08/18/2026

We responded to a local assisted living center for a fire alarm last weekend. After ensuring there was no fire, the crew was informed the special lady in the background, Mary Jo, was celebrating her 90th birthday, and that her late husband, Don Berges, served as a Lieutenant at MFD in the 1970's. The crews were happy to share a visit and reportedly a laugh or two.

08/17/2026

Welcome to your new home, Wildcats!
As you settle into your residence hall, make fire safety a part of your move-in routine. A few minutes of preparation can make all the difference. Have a safe semester!

08/01/2026

Thanks to Sunset Zoo for inviting us to Water Safari! We’re having a blast!

07/31/2026

Welcome home, Wildcats!
A safe semester starts at home. Before you finish unpacking, take a few simple steps that could save a life.

07/30/2026

NEWS RELEASE: Early Morning Apartment Fire Quickly Extinguished

(Manhattan, KS – July 30, 2026) Manhattan Fire Department (MFD) responded to a structure fire at 1300 Marlatt Avenue at 6:05 a.m. Thursday.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a small fire visible through the front window of a first-floor apartment in a two-story, eight-unit apartment building. A total of 18 firefighters responded on six apparatus and extinguished the fire within seven minutes of arrival.

The Manhattan Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire. Foul play is not suspected.

No injuries were reported, and no one was home at the time of the fire. The fire was reported to 911 by a passerby.

The loss to contents is estimated at $5,000. No structural damage was reported.

“We’ve had two apartment fires this week that could have resulted in major damage. These incidents are good reminder that early notification to 911 combined with quick fire department response, can lead to positive outcomes”. Ryan Almes, Deputy Fire Chief.

07/28/2026

NEWS RELEASE: No One Injured in Manhattan Apartment Fire

(Manhattan, KS – July 28, 2026) The Manhattan Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 415 Walters Drive at 6:45 p.m. Monday. When crews arrived, they found flames and smoke coming from the second floor and attic space of a two-story, eight-unit apartment building.

Six fire apparatus and 22 firefighters responded. Crews were able to extinguish the fire within 10 minutes. Firefighters remained on scene until after midnight to overhaul the structure and make sure there were no additional dangers.

No people or animals were injured. All occupants were able to escape the fire safely before crews arrived. Three apartment units were deemed uninhabitable overnight. Four people and one dog were displaced and received assistance from the American Red Cross.

Manhattan Fire Department estimates the loss of contents at $40,000 and the damage to the structure at $100,000.
The fire started on the balcony of a second-story apartment. A MFD fire investigator is working to determine the exact cause of the fire, but foul play is not suspected.

“The heat index was 112 at the time of the alarm, and I am proud of the great work crews did to knock down the fire quickly despite the extreme heat. Thankfully, no one was injured,” said Assistant Chief of Operations Sam Dameron.

The Manhattan Fire Department extends its appreciation to Riley County Fire District #1 for providing SCBA bottle filling, Riley County EMS for providing medical support, and the Riley County Police Department for assisting with scene control and traffic management.

Riley County Fire District #1 | Riley County EMS | RileyCountyPD

07/24/2026

The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will accept blood donations until 1:00 p.m. today. Their goal is 92 life-saving pints of blood. Time is short, but if you're not able to donate today, please consider scheduling an appointment for a future blood drive.

Find information at https://www.redcrossblood.org/

07/23/2026

Help save a life right here in our community. ❤️

The American Red Cross is hosting the Battle of the Badges Blood Drive for a second day this Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Thomas More Church, 2900 Kimball Ave.

There’s still time to roll up your sleeve and donate. Every appointment makes a difference for patients and families who are counting on blood donors, and it’s a meaningful way to support our local first responders during Battle of the Badges.

Sign up at https://www.redcrossblood.org/ and use the sponsor code ManhattanKS