New Developments Regarding the Condition of KCK Fire Station 20
Published on January 14, 2025
Update as of January 14, 2025 - 3:48 PM
A structural engineer conducted an inspection of Fire Station 20 today and confirmed that the building is safe. The personnel at Station 20 will return to the station immediately. The official report from the engineer is anticipated to be ready by the end of the week.
Original Release Time: 1:36 PM
Last Thursday, January 9, 2025, the Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD) Support Services Division noted that there were new developments regarding the condition of Fire Station 20 (Muncie). The discussion focused on cracks appearing in load-bearing walls and other extending wall cracks. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin made the decision to temporarily move the crews out of Station 20, so that the concerns expressed by the station captain could be investigated in more detail.
The current investigation has been turned over to the Unified Government (UG) Facilities and Building Manager. The tentative plan is to have a structural engineer evaluate the building to determine the necessary repairs, and the time required to complete them in the near future.
As a precaution, KCKFD Chief Rubin has relocated the members and apparatus to nearby facilities. Pumper 20 has been temporarily moved to Fire Station 2 (Midtown), and Medic 20 (our cross-staffed ambulance) has been temporarily relocated to Fire Station 15 (Fairfax). These temporary relocations will remain in effect until further notice, pending facility evaluation and any required follow-up action.
Three signs have been posted at Fire Station 20 asking the community to dial 9-1-1 if someone is at the station and needs assistance (i.e., if they drive up to Station 20). The protection of Muncie will be covered by our surrounding fire stations, and there will be no disruption of service delivery to the Muncie community during this building evaluation period.
The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD) is unable to complete any interviews at this time. Once a thorough inspection of the building has been completed by an engineer, the KCKFD will provide an update with more details.
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