Chanute Fire Department

05/16/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2026

The Chanute Fire Department, Chanute Police Department, and NMRMC EMS responded to a reported structure fire at 712 N. Kansas.

Upon arrival, crews found a single-story residence fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters immediately conducted searches of the home while beginning fire suppression efforts. Both primary and secondary searches confirmed that no occupants were inside the residence.

Fire crews were able to bring the fire under control and remained on scene completing overhaul operations to ensure all remaining hot spots were extinguished.

The origin and cause of the fire are currently under investigation by the Chanute Fire Department, Chanute Police Department, and the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office.

We are thankful for the coordinated efforts of all responding agencies and for the safety of everyone involved

05/07/2026

Chanute Fire Department is currently working to extinguish a structure fire located between Highland and Santa Fe on 11th street. For safety reasons, please avoid this area to prevent interference. The fire has resulted in disruptions to Chanute Fiber services, and repairs will be made as quickly as possible. Affected customers will receive timely updates regarding the status of repairs.

04/24/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 24, 2026
Contact: Public Information Office, Chanute Fire Department

Chanute Fire Department Responds to Emergency Aircraft Landing Near US-169
CHANUTE, KS – At approximately 2:55 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, the Chanute Fire Department responded to a multi-stage aircraft incident occurring near the intersection of US-169 highway and 240th Road.

The incident began when a single-engine aircraft suffered total engine failure southwest of Chanute. The pilot immediately deployed the aircraft’s emergency parachute system and attempted to reach the Chanute Airport. Due to low visibility from cloud cover, the pilot missed the approach and was forced to attempt a landing in a field.

The aircraft impacted the ground east of US-169, landing on its top and sliding north. A passing motorist witnessed the descent, drove through a fence into the field, and utilized their vehicle to physically stop the sliding aircraft. However, while the aircraft was stationary, a heavy gust of wind caught the deployed parachute. The force of the wind flipped the plane over the motorist’s vehicle and dragged it westbound across the lanes of US-169. The aircraft eventually came to rest in a tree row just west of the highway.

Investigation: The FAA and NTSB have been notified and will lead the investigation into the engine failure.

The Chanute Fire Department commends the rapid response of our crews and the assistance of the Kansas Highway Patrol in managing this highly unusual and moving scene.

04/23/2026

Thank you to Neosho County Emergency Manager Melanie Kent-Culp for always keeping us updated!

Scattered strong to severe storms are forecast to develop across central and south-central Kansas this afternoon and evening and move eastward into the nighttime hours. Up to 2-inch hail, up to 70 mph wind gusts, and heavy rainfall will be the main concerns. However, a couple of tornadoes are also possible, mainly across south-central Kansas into the Flint Hills.

04/17/2026

FYI: The Storm Prediction Center has updated the probability for severe weather in our area. The primary threats are strong winds and hail. Winds could gust between 70–85 mph. While the tornado threat is lower, it is not zero.

Make sure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts. Remember, storm sirens are designed to warn people outdoors only—do not rely on them if you are inside.

Have a plan in place and know where your local storm shelters are located. Please note: The Memorial Building/Fire Station is NOT a designated storm shelter, as it may not be staffed if crews are responding to calls.

Stay weather aware and be prepared.

04/14/2026

Happy National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week to the voices behind the scenes who keep everything moving.

Thank you to our dispatchers for your calm under pressure, quick thinking, and steady support every single day. You are the first voice people hear in an emergency and the lifeline connecting our crews to the help they need. Your professionalism, dedication, and compassion make a difference in every call.

We appreciate your hard work, long hours, and commitment to keeping our community and first responders safe. Thank you for all you do—we couldn’t do this job without you.

03/11/2026

We’re proud to recognize Captain Dale Lowry and Lieutenant Cameron Dietsch of the Chanute Fire Department who were honored yesterday by the Kansas House, Kansas Senate, and Governor Laura Kelly.

In July 2025, they deployed with Kansas Task Force 1 to Texas to assist communities devastated by historic flooding—working alongside partners from across the country to conduct rescues and support recovery efforts.

Their service reflects the dedication and professionalism of our firefighters and the strong tradition of helping others when disaster strikes.

Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition!

03/06/2026

Storm season is here, and we want our community to be prepared!

These are Chanute’s designated storm shelters. Please remember, the Memorial Building and the Chanute Fire Department are NOT storm shelters.

Chanute’s sirens are designed to warn people who are outdoors that dangerous weather is approaching

What To Do If You Hear One

• Go indoors immediately
• Seek shelter
• Check weather alerts or local media

⚠️ Do NOT rely on sirens as your only warning system.

Please share or tag someone that needs to know where the Storm Shelters are!

02/27/2026

Quick Reminder!

🚒 New & Easier: Online Burn Permits Are Here! 🔥
The Chanute Fire Department now offers online burn permits—no phone calls, no paperwork, no waiting around.
✔️ Apply anytime
✔️ Quick approval process
✔️ Helps us keep everyone safe and informed
Before you light it, get your permit and always check conditions. Burn smart, burn legal, and help us protect our community.
👉 Visit the City/Fire Department website to apply. https://www.chanute.org/764/Burn-Permit-Application
Questions? Give us a call (620) 431-5236 we’re happy to help. Stay safe out there!

You can find the Chanute Fire Department burn permit application form here.

02/24/2026

🌬️🔥 Tuesday Weather Update – Please Use Caution 🔥🌬️

Good morning, everyone, and Happy Tuesday!

Today’s forecast calls for highs in the 60s, with windy, very dry conditions. With low humidity and steady winds, outdoor burning is strongly discouraged. Even a small fire can quickly get out of control under these conditions.

Please help us protect:
🏠 Your property
🏡 Your neighbors’ property
🚒 Our first responders

We appreciate everyone doing their part to keep our community safe. Have a safe and wonderful Tuesday!