Osage County Fire District #4 Overbrook/Michigan Valley

07/10/2026

07/04/2026

Structure Fire Response – July 3, 2026

On July 3, 2026, at approximately 6:40 p.m., Osage County Fire District #4, along with mutual aid partners Osage County Fire District #1 (Carbondale) and Osage County Fire District #5 (Lyndon), were dispatched to the report of a structure fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters found light smoke coming from a detached garage. Crews quickly deployed an initial attack and were able to extinguish the fire before it could spread. Due to the rapid response and quick knockdown, the responding mutual aid departments were able to be released before arriving to the scene.
Following an investigation, it was determined the fire originated from a fish fryer that had been left on. The homeowners' quick actions to close all the doors helped limit the fire's growth by reducing the amount of oxygen available to the flames, resulting in only minimal damage to the structure and contents.

Osage County Fire District #4 would like to thank Osage County Fire District #1 - Carbondale Fire, Osage County Fire District #5 - Lyndon/Vassar and the Osage County, KS Sheriff's Office for their assistance and continued partnership.

Fire Safety Reminder: If it is safe to do so, closing doors during a fire can significantly slow the spread of heat, smoke, and flames. This simple action can help contain a fire, reduce property damage, and provide valuable time for occupants to escape safely and for firefighters to respond.

06/27/2026

Gather up your Herd and bring them out to a great time.. Hope to see you all there..

🎬 A Night Under the Stars is Calling! 🍿

Get ready, Overbrook! It’s time for another Wild Night Out: Movie in the Park!
🎥 We’re showing Zootopia 2
📅 July 18, 2026
🕗 Starting at Dusk
📍 Friesen Fishing Lake (406 Brady Ln)

🌟 What makes it special?
✔ FREE entry
✔ FREE popcorn
✔ Beautiful lakeside setting
✔ A fun, relaxed night for all ages

Huge thanks to our amazing partners:
🍿 Osage County Sheriff’s Office
🎥 Osage County Rural Fire District #4
👮 Overbrook Police Department

🪑 Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and your favorite people—and settle in for a great night of movie magic!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BPzMZieso/

06/27/2026

🇺🇸🎆 4th of July Fireworks Safety Reminder 🎆🇺🇸

As we celebrate our nation's independence, Osage County Fire District #4 would like to remind everyone to make safety a priority while enjoying fireworks and holiday festivities.

🔥 Fireworks Safety Tips:
• Always follow local laws and regulations regarding fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water, garden hose, or fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never allow young children to handle or ignite fireworks.
• Light fireworks one at a time and move away quickly.
• Never relight a "dud" firework.
• Keep spectators at a safe distance.
• Soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them.
• Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

🚒 Help Prevent Grass and Structure Fires:
Dry conditions can cause fireworks to ignite grass, fields, and buildings quickly. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid using fireworks near dry vegetation, vehicles, homes, or other combustible materials.

🐾 Remember Your Pets:
Fireworks can be stressful for animals. Keep pets indoors in a secure and comfortable location during celebrations.

🇺🇸 Let's work together to make this Independence Day safe, enjoyable, and memorable for everyone.

From all of us at Osage County Fire District #4, have a safe and happy 4th of July!

If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately.

🚒🇺🇸🎇

06/19/2026

Public health update for our Pomona Lake visitors:

Due to a harmful blue-green algae bloom, Michigan Valley Park's swim beach is temporarily closed until further notice. Recent testing found elevated levels of algal toxins in concentrated areas near the beach and other areas downwind of the dam, prompting all Pomona Lake beaches to be placed in warning status.
Our staff is actively monitoring conditions and working closely with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to protect visitors and provide timely updates.

If the water appears bright green, has surface scum or looks like spilled paint, please avoid all contact. These blooms can shift quickly with wind and changing weather conditions.

Pet owners are advised to use extra caution. Dogs are especially vulnerable to algae toxins, and ingestion can cause serious illness or death.

The good news: campground drinking water and showers remain safe, and boating and fishing can continue. Visitors should simply avoid areas with concentrated algae or surface scum. Anglers are encouraged to rinse fish with clean water, consume only the fillet portion and wash their hands thoroughly after handling fish.
We understand how important summer recreation is to our visitors and appreciate your patience as we work to ensure everyone can safely enjoy Pomona Lake. Our team will continue inspecting beaches and monitoring water conditions until it is safe to reopen.

Updates will be posted here and on the Kansas City District website as new information becomes available.

| | | | | |

06/13/2026

🚨 ENHANCED WEATHER ALERTING NOW ACTIVE IN NORTHEAST KANSAS 🚨

Osage County Fire District #4 would like to remind residents that the National Weather Service has implemented enhanced severe weather warning alerts for Northeast Kansas.

These updated alerts are designed to provide clearer information about the severity of storms, helping you make faster and safer decisions when dangerous weather threatens our area.

🌩️ What This Means for You:
✅ More detailed severe thunderstorm warnings
✅ Better identification of destructive winds and large hail threats
✅ Clearer communication of tornado dangers
✅ More information to help protect your family and property

📱 Be Prepared:
• Ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled on your mobile device.
• Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
• Know where your safe shelter location is before storms develop.
• Monitor trusted weather sources during severe weather events.

⚠️ Remember: When warnings are issued, take them seriously and act immediately. Seconds matter when severe weather strikes.

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay safe.

Osage County Fire District #4
Serving our community with pride and dedication.

🚒🌩️⛈️

06/10/2026

⚠️ SEVERE WEATHER AWARENESS MESSAGE ⚠️

Osage County Fire District #4 would like to remind residents to stay weather aware as conditions may be favorable for severe thunderstorms in our area.

Potential hazards may include:
🌩️ Damaging winds
⛈️ Large hail
🌪️ Possible tornadoes
🌧️ Heavy rainfall and localized flooding
⚡ Frequent lightning

Now is the time to:
✅ Review your severe weather safety plan
✅ Know where you will take shelter if a warning is issued
✅ Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts, especially overnight
✅ Charge cell phones and electronic devices
✅ Secure outdoor furniture and loose items that could become airborne

If a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning is issued for your area, take action immediately and seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building, away from windows.

Remember: Preparedness saves lives. Stay informed, stay alert, and keep an eye on changing weather conditions throughout the day and evening.

🚒 Osage County Fire District #4
Serving Our Community Through Preparedness, Prevention, and Protection

06/09/2026

⚠️ STORM DAMAGE ALERT ⚠️

Our area has experienced extensive storm damage, including numerous downed trees and power lines. Crews are working to assess and clear affected areas, but hazards remain throughout the district.

🚫 NEVER touch or attempt to move a downed power line. Always assume any downed line is energized and extremely dangerous.

⚡ If you encounter a downed power line:
• Stay well away from the area.
• Keep children and pets away.
• Do not drive over or through downed lines.
• Report the outage or downed line directly to your power company immediately.
• Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to life or property.

🌳 Use caution when traveling, as roads may be blocked by fallen trees, debris, or utility lines. Please be patient as emergency responders, utility crews, and public works personnel work to restore services and clear roadways.

Stay alert, stay safe, and continue to monitor local weather and emergency updates.

04/21/2026

This is a process that the fire department is now helping the city with to insure all hydrants are flushed and to keep the system clean. This process needs to be and must be maintained to help all. We apologize for hardships that are created. The sentiment typically settles at the ends of lines like hydrants. By flushing this clears that sentiment, the unfortunate issue is it draws pressure pulling sentiment from other areas and pushes it throughout the lines. With a regular and consistent flush schedule it should keep it clear. I encourage anybody to research reasons to flush the lines and look at images of systems that have not been flushed. The city has a newer water system and is determined to keep it functional.

We would like to take a moment to explain why flushing fire hydrants is such an important practice for the community.

Flushing fire hydrants plays a key role in maintaining the reliability and safety of the water system. Over time, sediment such as minerals and debris can build up inside water mains. When hydrants are flushed, this buildup is cleared out, helping ensure that water remains clean and safe for everyday use.

This process also allows crews to verify that hydrants are functioning properly. By checking water pressure and flow, maintenance teams can identify and address potential issues before they become serious problems—especially critical during emergencies when firefighters rely on hydrants to perform effectively.

In addition, hydrant flushing helps maintain consistent water pressure throughout the system and can improve the overall lifespan of infrastructure by reducing corrosion and wear caused by stagnant water and sediment.

Residents may occasionally notice temporary water discoloration or reduced water pressure during flushing operations. These effects are short-lived and are a normal part of the process.
Overall, flushing fire hydrants is a proactive step that supports public health, fire protection, and the long-term efficiency of the water system. The department appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation.

Flushing will continue on the 1st and 3rd Mondays from 7-8 pm. This will continue through the fall.

Please call city hall if your water is discolored for a long period of time. Thank you for your understanding.