Firefighters from Reno County spent Thursday night battling wildfires in southwest Kansas as part of a regional mutual aid response.
According to Reno County Fire District 1, the district and the Hutchinson Fire Department deployed a task force on May 14 to assist with wildfire operations in the Meade area. The task force included one command vehicle, four brush trucks, one water tender and 11 firefighters.
Crews worked overnight helping suppress wildfires and protect homes and other property in the region. Fire officials said personnel from Reno County will remain in Meade through the weekend to continue assisting with operations.
The deployment comes as multiple large wildfires burn in southwest Kansas amid dangerous weather conditions and elevated fire danger across the state.
In a statement, Fire District 1 emphasized the importance of mutual aid partnerships between departments across Kansas.
“Over the years, thousands of firefighters have come to Reno County to help us during times of need,” the department said. “We are incredibly grateful for the firefighters — and their families — who are willing to answer the call and assist communities in need.”
Officials added they are proud to return that support when neighboring communities need help.
State officials on Thursday issued a disaster emergency declaration for several southwest Kansas counties due to ongoing wildfire activity.