Lyon County Fire District #5-Hartford/Neosho Rapids

10/20/2026

Another look at the tremendous fuel load out there.

10/19/2026

🎥 We're back with another video!

Aside from a brief period in August, we've been fortunate to have plenty of moisture this year, which has helped keep fire danger low. While the rain has been a blessing, it's hard not to notice the amount of fuel in our fields.

As conditions begin to change, now is the time to be extra cautious with anything that could create a spark. A little prevention can go a long way.

10/16/2026

Chuck was always a consummate professional. We did many interviews with him over the years, and it was always a genuine pleasure. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors, and we sincerely hope his health improves so he can enjoy whatever comes next.

10/15/2026

Today, Matt returned to the Lyon County Commission to continue the discussion regarding Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), the federal funds provided to county by the Department of the Interior. We understand that the current arrangement predates the formation of LCFD #5, but the clarification we received today is important.

Per the county counselor, Lyon County received $18,712 in PILT funds for 2026, covering federal lands around Melvern Reservoir and John Redmond Reservoir. Unlike PILT agreements with private entities, there is no written agreement outlining how these federal payments must be distributed. The funds are provided broadly, and the commission has full discretion in determining how they are distrubuted for governmental purposes. They are depostied yearly in the county's general fund.

Lyon County has calculated that the amount LCFD #5 could potentially receive is approximately $600 per year. One commissioner even asked whether $600 moves the needle on our budget. The truth is simple: every dollar matters when you are a rural fire district responsible for protecting tax‑exempt federal land without receiving tax revenue from it.

We will continue to advocate for our fire department and for the communities we serve. We look forward to continuing productive conversations with the Lyon County Commission.

10/10/2026

Since we’re running short on days, here is a post that wraps up the remaining NFPA guidance for Fire Prevention Week. And while you’re thinking about safety, remember that daylight savings time will be here before you know it. We all know the old saying: change your clocks, change your batteries. It might be a good time to pick up those 9‑volt batteries now so you’re ready when the time comes.

10/09/2026

Continuing with the fire prevention week theme.

10/08/2026

We know what you’re thinking. It’s Fire Prevention Week and things have been unusually quiet from us. The truth is that the person who normally handles our posts was out of state with his wife for testing and treatment, and the hotel wifi refused to cooperate.

We’re back now, and we’ll make up for the lost time. This year's theme is "Charge into Fire Safety".

10/04/2026

A lot of fuel out there when the season decides to kick off.

10/02/2026

The Final Piece of the Puzzle

We’re proud to share what should be our final grant announcement of the year. Lyon County Fire District #5 has been awarded a Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant through the Kansas Forest Service. The total award is $9,058, with LCFD #5 contributing the required 50% match of $4,529.

This funding will allow us to purchase seven sets of dual certified PPE (rated for wildland and technical rescue), replace one dual certified jacket damaged during the May deployment, and equip all brush trucks with drip torches.

Outfitting every member in high quality dual certified PPE has always been our goal. This will complete our objective to place all our members in updated PPE. Because most of our call volume…wildland fires, medicals, and motor vehicle accidents, can be handled in this gear, it significantly reduces wear on our structural PPE, which is far more expensive to replace. It’s also more comfortable for the types of incidents we respond to most often.

The addition of drip torches introduces a capability we’ve never had. In certain situations, the safest and most effective way to stop a fire is to fight fire with fire. Many departments across the country carry drip torches as standard equipment; this grant finally allows us to do the same.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Kansas Forest Service for this opportunity. Wildland fires remain our most frequent fire related response, and grants like this are essential to maintaining readiness. With our auto aid, mutual aid, and deployment agreements, this award strengthens not only our local response capability but area and statewide capabilities as well. 💪

10/02/2026

“Fireflation” is impacting every department, regardless of call volume. Whether you respond to one fire a month or one a day, the fundamental requirements don’t change, you still need reliable personal protective equipment, SCBAs, apparatus, and the infrastructure to support them. When someone dials 911, they expect a fully capable response, independent of what equipment a department has or lacks.

As our recent announcements have shown, grant funding is no longer optional; it is essential to maintaining operational readiness in rural communities around the country.

The Galesburg Volunteer Fire Department faces significant financial challenges due to inflation and relies on grants to maintain its equipment and continue serving its rural community.