Shawnee Fire Department trains for mass casualty crash

Posted: October 29, 2018 - 9:35 p.m.

For three consecutive days last week, all 66 Shawnee Firefighters worked their way through a mock mass casualty crash. Each day the scenario involved a school bus, several vehicles, and volunteers playing the role of injured and hysterical people at the scene.

Shawnee firefighters peel back the roof of a vehicle to remove a dummy that was trapped in the simulated crash with a school bus.

Last Wednesday’s scenario involved 17 victims with varying levels of injury spread among three passenger vehicles and the school bus. 11 volunteers filled the school bus, which in the drill had been rear-ended in as part of a chain-reaction crash. One car was partially under the rear of the bus. A second car was on its roof and partly on top of the first car. A third car was rolled onto its side near the front of the bus and was blocking all access to the door of the bus.

Firefighters arrived on the scene of the simulation to find a school bus involved in a crash with three other vehicles and multiple victims trapped.

Firefighters had to use struts, straps, and large chains to stabilize all involved vehicles before they could begin the work of safely removing all of the injured. A firefighter and a Johnson County Med-Act paramedic were lifted through the emergency window of the bus to start evaluating injuries inside as other firefighters worked to cut a hole in the wall of the bus.

One-by-one the injured passengers of the bus were lifted off and then moved across the scene to Johnson County Med-Act’s triage area where their injuries would be evaluated further.

After all of the victims had been removed from the vehicles, firefighters and paramedics gathered to discuss the drill and assess their response and handling of the various aspects.

Shawnee Fire Battalion Chief Ryan Pyle addressed everyone who participated in the exercise after its conclusion.

Deputy Fire Chief Sal Scarpa told Operation 100 News this drill was the first time they had the opportunity to use a school bus.

“On a three or four vehicle crash we may see five or six people with injuries,” Scarpa said. “The school bus changes everything, and we have to be prepared for that.”

The school bus was donated to the department for use in the scenario by the Kincaid Group which operates school buses for the Shawnee Mission School District as DS Bus Lines. Several Kansas City area towing companies donated the passenger vehicles.

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Seven animals survive OP house fire, one firefighter sustains minor injury

Posted: December 30, 2012 - 2:53pm
Updated: January 2, 2013 - 5:01am

Update:

On Monday Operation 100 News was contacted by one of the residents of the home damaged in this fire. Aaron Kalmer tells me that three cats died in the fire. Two dogs and five reptiles all survived and are "doing great." Kalmer says the reptiles include two snakes and three bearded dragons.

Original report:

Emergency crews in Overland Park were called to a possible house fire at 7542 Hardy Street just before 2:20 Sunday afternoon.

Overland Park Police arrived at the scene to find the doors to the home locked with dogs barking inside. Officers forced the front door open to attempt to rescue the animals. At least one dog was rescued by officers. The number and status of other pets inside the home was not immediately clear. Police dispatchers informed officers of special use permits to the address for snakes and possibly other reptiles.

Firefighters arrived to report smoke visible from the roof of the single story, ranch style home. Investigation led crews to the attic where they found the majority of the fire to be.

One firefighter was treated at the scene by Johnson County Med-Act after he was exposed to high heat conditions. After being assessed, the firefighter refused further medical treatment and returned to work.

Firefighters were forced to evacuate the structure at one point by heavy smoke and high heat conditions. After about 12 minutes, enough smoke had dissipated and crews were allowed to reenter the structure.

The Merriam Fire Department assisted Overland Park Fire crews on the fire scene.

The fire was declared under control at 3:18 p.m.. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and a damage estimate was not immediately available.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first, Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Fire reported at Overland Park home

Posted: May 11, 2012 - 8:28am
Updated: May 11, 2012 - 8:51am

Overland Park and Lenexa Firefighters are on scene of a house fire in the 10500 block of W 92nd Place.

Firefighters were dispatched at 8:20 a.m. for a reported fire in the laundry room of the house. Upon arrival crews reported heavy smoke from two sides of the split level home.

Further investigation led fire crews to a fire in a basement wall with extension to a first floor kitchen closet. Crews are also making access to the attic to check for extension. Crews were able to confirm, with the homeowner, that everyone was evacuated safely.

No other details were immediately available and no injuries have been reported.

This is the second fire that Overland Park and Lenexa firefighters have responded on this morning. The first fire was reported around 6:40 a.m., more information on that fire can be found here.

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Grease fire causes $15,000 worth of damages to assisted living facility

Posted: April 26, 2012 - 3:38pm

Updated: April 27, 2012 - 2:07am

Photo submitted by the Olathe Fire Department
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The Olathe Fire Department was called to Aberdeen Village Assisted Living and Retirement Center at 3:20 p.m. Thursday. A 911 call reported a fire in the first level kitchen area. The facility is located at 17500 W 119th Street in Olathe.

Firefighters and Olathe Police assisted in evacuations of some of the residents. Crews ordered a second alarm response due to the size of the facility and the number of residents who live on the site.

The fire is said to have been contained to the kitchen area and was extinguished by the building's sprinkler system before fire crews arrived. Crews checked attic spaces and reported that the fire had not spread into the attic or the building's roof. 


Firefighters from the Lenexa Fire Department responded on the second alarm to assist with the call.

Investigators say the fire was a grease fire and started in the facility's commercial kitchen. Damage is estimated at $15,000. No injuries were reported.

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2-Alarm Hotel fire in Olathe

Posted: March 17, 2012 - 2:37am
Updated: March 17, 2012 - 3:03am

Just after 12:45 a.m., Olathe Firefighters were dispatched to the Econo Lodge South, located at 209 E Flaming Road. The hotel is located just southwest of Old 56 Highway and S Harrison Street.

Upon arrival crews reported that nothing was visible from the exterior of the two-story hotel, however when entered the building and quickly found heavy smoke. The fire was reported to have been contained to a laundry room and believed to have started as a dryer fire.

A second alarm was requested to assist with evacuations and check for possible extension to neighboring rooms.

Firefighters reported the fire under control just before 1 a.m., no injuries were reported. A damage estimate was not immediately available.

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Two killed in Shawnee apartment building fire

Posted: February 17, 2012 - 5:47am

Updated: February 18, 2012 - 12:54am

Update: Shawnee Fire Chief John Mattox says that food in a pan on the stove sparked the fire which killed two people Friday morning. Mattox identified the victims as 23-year-old JaMaur Smith and 21-year-old Jay'd Griffin, both are said to have died from smoke inhalation. There was a smoke detector in the apartment but, the batteries had been removed, according to Mattox.

Chief Mattox also says that one of the victims was found in the living room, indicating they may have been trying to escape but were overcome by toxic smoke, which doesn't take long. The other victim was found on the bedroom floor. Both victims lost died from carbon monoxide toxicity, otherwise known as smoke inhalation.

"This fire is Shawnee's first citizen fatalities from a fire in more than 10 years," Mattox said.

According to Mattox, "the first thing to go to sleep on you is your olfactory system, you stop smelling things. One of the last things to wake up on you is your olfactory system. That's why it's so important to have early detection."

The building, built in the 1970's, passed its annual fire alarm test in May 2011. Firefighters confirm that the alarm was sounding when they arrived. Dispatchers also reported receiving reports from 911 callers that the alarms were working.


Original Story:

At 5:32 a.m. fire crews from Shawnee and Overland Park were dispatched on a reported apartment building fire at 11601 W 75th Terrace, Carlyle Apartments in Shawnee. Three apparatus and crews were sent from Shawnee Fire along with two apparatus and crews from Overland Park Fire.

Johnson County Emergency Communications Center Dispatchers say they received multiple 911 calls about smoke in the two story building and also received an automatic fire alarm.

Shawnee Police arrived on the scene and reported that the smoke was heaviest in the basement.

Shawnee Fire crews arrived, reporting light haze visible inside. Crews located a small fire in a basement level apartment which had filled with heavy smoke. As those crews were extinguishing the fire, two victims were located. With the assistance of crews from Overland Park Fire both victims were carried out of the building.

According to Shawnee Fire Chief John Mattox, "Firefighters and Johnson County Med-Act attempted CPR, but it was too late." Mattox also says it is likely that the victims succumbed to the smoke.

Firefighters reported the fire was extinguished at 6:08 a.m.. Crews also reported fire alarms were sounding throughout the building.

No other injuries were reported.

Fire Investigators as well as Police Detectives are investigating the cause of the fire as well as a damage estimate.

The Red Cross is also on scene with apartment management assisting the displaced residents.

This is the second apartment fire in Shawnee this week. The first was Tuesday evening, just over half a mile away from this morning's fire. 2-Alarm apartment building fire in Shawnee.

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Two alarm Olathe house fire

Posted: December 31, 2011 - 3:42pm
Updated: December 31, 2011 - 8:27pm

Around 3:00 p.m., Saturday, the Olathe Fire Department was called to a house in the 1400 block of E Cambridge Street after the resident reported flames from the furnace vent on the first floor.

Fire crews arrived on scene about two minutes after being dispatched. First arriving crews reported smoke showing from the eaves of the house. A short time later, crews reported a fire in the basement.

A second alarm assignment was dispatched at 3:15 p.m., by request of the Battalion Chief on the scene. Interior crews reported a "weak floor" in the rear of the structure. Incident Command was able to report the fire as under control about 25 minutes after the first crews arrived. The Lenexa Fire Department also assisted in battling the blaze.

The house was evacuated when the Fire Department arrived and no injuries were reported. An official cause of the fire remains under investigation. An Olathe Fire spokesperson estimates damage at approximately $50,000. Investigators also say that the two residents of the home were first alerted to the fire by working smoke detectors in the house.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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John Mattox announced as Shawnee Fire's new Chief

Posted: December 10, 2011 - 3:30pm

Shawnee City Manager Carol Gonzales announced recently that effective Monday, December 12th, Deputy Fire Chief John Mattox will be the department's new Fire Chief. John Mattox has been the Acting Fire Chief since September, when Jeff Hudson retired after 36 years with the Shawnee Fire Department. Hudson's last 10 years with the department were as Chief.

"John's extensive experience in the fire service, the roles he has played regionally and nationally in professional associations, and his formal and continuing education have prepared him well for this leadership role. The fire service is a changing industry, and I believe John Mattox is the best person to lead our outstanding department into the future," says City Manager Carol Gonzales.

Chief John Mattox began his fire service career as a volunteer in 1979, with the Edwardsville, Kansas Fire Department. He became a full time firefighter in 1986, was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1987 and another promotion to the rank of Assistant Fire Chief in 2000. Mattox joined the Shawnee Fire Department in 2001 as the city's Fire Marshal. In 2009, Shawnee reclassified the Fire Marshal position to Deputy Fire Chief and John was promoted to that position.

Mattox graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Human Relations from Mid America Nazarene University. He is also a graduate of the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program through the University of Kansas. Chief Mattox is very active and has served in leadership positions in a variety of professional organizations. He currently serves as the President of the Kansas Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and is the past Chairman of the Eastern Kansas Multi-County Arson Task Force, as well as a long time member of the Fire Marshals Association of Kansas.

All information provided by the City of Shawnee and the Shawnee Fire Department.

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Minor injuries after disturbance and fire in Shawnee

Posted: November 30, 2011 - 4:27am
Updated: December 6, 2011 - 5:12am

Update: The Shawnee Fire Department's Fire Prevention Officer, Corey Sands, says that the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing and that "it does not appear to be accidental."

Shawnee Police are assisting with the investigation and do not have any suspect information to release at this time.


Original Post:

The Shawnee Fire Department and Police are investigating this morning after a disturbance and a fire broke out. Police and Firefighters were called to 11007 Johnson Drive just before 4 a.m. Wednesday morning.

A source familiar with the incident tells me that the victim was allegedly assaulted and the suspect or possibly suspects, then started a fire inside the building. The victim was able to make his was to a neighboring 7-Eleven and called 911.

Police arrived on scene and reported that the suspect had fled the scene. Fire crews reported "light smoke visible from one half of a block away." Upon further investigation fire crews located and quickly knocked down a fire. The fire was reported under control just after 4:20 a.m..

Johnson County Med-Act transported the victim to an area hospital with minor injuries, related to the assault.

Shawnee Firefighters were assisted by crews from the Merriam Fire Department on the fire scene. One apparatus from the Overland Park Fire Department also responded to provide fire coverage for the area.

A damage estimate has not been released and the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Police are also investigating the alleged assault.

The neighboring "Pegah's Family Restaurant" along with other neighboring businesses were checked and are being allowed to open as normal.


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Lenexa Burn Ban suspended

Posted: November 10, 2011 - 6:00pm
Updated: November 11, 2011 - 2:25am

The Lenexa Fire Department says the temporary burn ban has been suspended, effective November 11th. The recent rains have provided sufficient moisture to decrease the hazards of fire to the dry grasses and vegetation across the county. Open burning will be permitted within the stipulations of city fire codes and with an approved open burning permit issued by the Lenexa Fire Department.

The burn ban was issued in mid-October. The original story can be found here.

Fire officials also remind the public to always properly dispose of cigarettes, using approved fire-safe containers and never discard cigarettes in areas of grass, mulch, brush, leaves or from vehicles.

Anyone with questions concerning open burning or how to obtain an open burning permit, contact the Lenexa Fire Department at 913-888-6380.

Damaged gas meters lead to evacuations

Posted: November 8, 2011 - 9:21am
Updated: November 8, 2011 - 11:28am

The Olathe Fire Department was called to a natural gas leak in the 100 block of N Clairborne Road after a tractor trailer damaged three natural gas meters on the building.

Olathe Fire Department spokesperson, Mike Hall says that five businesses were evacuated, including ACE Hardware, Dollar General, Quilters Haven, Tuesday Morning and Noah's Ark Gift Shoppe.

Hall also says that the gas leak was stopped, by the gas company, at 9:57 a.m. and the evacuated businesses were allowed to reopen after about 45 minutes.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Several sickened by Carbon Monoxide at JoCo restaurant

Posted: November 7, 2011 - 11:14am
Updated: November 8, 2011 - 2:30am

The Olathe Fire Department and Johnson County Med-Act crews responded to the Noodles & Company restaurant located at 15208 West 119th Street shortly after 11 a.m. Monday morning.

Two employees were transported from the scene by Johnson County Med-Act ambulances and a third drove himself to an area hospital following Carbon Monoxide exposure according to an Olathe Fire Department spokesperson. Five others were treated on the scene.

None of the injuries are considered life threatening according to the Olathe Police Department.

The strip mall, where the restaurant is located, has been completely evacuated as a precaution. Elevated Carbon Monoxide levels were also found in a neighboring Radio Shack store. The neighboring businesses were allowed to reopen for business just after 12:10 p.m.. The Noodles & Company remained closed until repairs could be made.

Updated information provided by the Olathe Police Department.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Several Burn Bans lifted

Posted: November 4, 2011 - 4:54pm
Updated: November 5, 2011 - 7:05am

Follow up to previous story: Johnson County Burn Bans

Several area Fire Department's issued Burn Ban's over the past several weeks due to the extended period of dry conditions. With last week's rainfall, a few of those have now been lifted.

Burn Bans for the city of Olathe and Unincorporated Douglas County have been lifted.

Always remember that prior to any open or recreational burning, you are responsible for checking with your local fire department and acquiring any required permits or special permissions that may be required in your area.

Many area fire departments also have special guidelines that must be followed when burning. Fines for failing to comply with burning regulations can range from $50 to $500 or more.

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Spring Hill house fire, October 29th

Posted: October 29, 2011 - 10:16am
Updated: October 29, 2011 - 10:33am

Firefighters from Fire District No. 2 of Johnson County were called to the 200 block of N Main Street just minutes after 10 a.m..

Responding crews immediately advised that they were seeing heavy smoke from a distance. A responding Battalion Chief quickly added a Second Alarm assignment to the call, even before anyone had arrived on scene.

As Fire Crews arrived at the scene they found heavy fire showing on the rear of the house and also received reports of a car on fire in the garage. Upon further inspection the Battalion Chief called off the Second Alarm assignment.

The Olathe Fire Department along with Johnson County Fire District No. 1 assisted on the fire.

As of 10:30 a.m. crews were still battling the blaze. Firefighters are also chasing small grass fires that are slowly moving towards an Industrial area near the residence. No injuries have been reported.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.


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Olathe Gas Line Ruptured

Posted: October 26, 2011 - 8:25am
Updated: October 26, 2011 - 9:18am

Olathe crews are standing by at a ruptured 4-inch, high pressure, natural gas line which lies approximately 30-40 yards from Olathe Medical Center, according to an emergency dispatcher. The hospital is located in the 20300 block of W 151st Street, near 151st Street and Interstate 35 in Olathe.

A crew from the Gas Company, Atmos Energy, has arrived on the scene and has discontinued gas service to the hospital building as of 8:55 a.m.. The boilers inside the hospital building have been shut down. Air monitoring is in progress in the building and the surrounding area.

The leak was reported to dispatchers just after 8:15 a.m. after it was struck by a construction crew working on the property.

The leak has been shut off as of 9:17 a.m..

No evacuations or injuries have been reported at the time of this report.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.


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Two mobile homes catch fire in JoCo

Posted: October 23, 2011 - 9:04am
Updated: October 24, 2011 - 2:10am

Fire Crews from Johnson County Fire District's No. 1 and No. 2 were called to a mobile home fire in the 900 block of Cimarron Trail. The address is located in the Conestoga Mobile Home Community in Gardner. The call was dispatched at 8:51 a.m.. Responding fire crews immediately advised that smoke was visible from outside of their station. A Johnson County Fire District No. 1 Battalion Chief arrived at the address and advised that the mobile home was "well involved" on arrival at 8:55 a.m..

A source familiar with the incident tells me there were three people inside the home when the fire broke out. Two were able to escape on their own and a third person was rescued from the home by firefighters, she is said to be in her 60's. The two other victims are reported to be a male in his 30's and a female in her 40's. All three victims were transported to an area hospital by Johnson County Med-Act and none of their injuries are said to be life threatening or involve any burns. Initial radio traffic indicated that one of the subjects possibly attempted to reenter the home to attempt to rescue a pet from inside.

The fire also spread to a neighboring mobile home which was searched and confirmed to be vacant.

The fire in the first trailer was reported to be out as of 9:42 a.m.. The fire in the second trailer was reported to be under control as of 9:45 a.m.. Incident Command requested 2 additional fire apparatus to the scene at 9:55 a.m..

Investigators say it appears the fire started on a deck of the occupied trailer. A damage estimate is not currently available.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available. Remember where you heard this news first. Operation 100 News, reporting the news to the public as it breaks.

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Lenexa Burn Ban updated

Posted: October 19, 2011 - 1:56pm
Updated: November 11, 2011 - 2:30am

UPDATE: November 11, 2011 this burn ban has been suspended. More information.

The City of Lenexa has updated their already in effect burn ban to allow the usage of BBQ grills.

In a news release provided Wednesday afternoon, the Lenexa Fire Department states;

"Due to continued low humidity and dry conditions, the temporary ban on open burning will remain in effect until further notice. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning except outdoor cooking grills. Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, bonfires and yard chimineas are NOT allowed during the ban."

Open-burning permits will be issued until the environmental conditions improve and the threat of fires has decreased.

The Fire Department also offers the following outdoor fire safety tips:

• Always dispose cigarettes in approved fire-safe containers. Do not discard cigarettes in areas of grass, mulch, brush, leaves or from vehicles.
• Charcoal grills and other open-flame cooking devices should not be operated within 10 feet of combustible construction or materials.
• All grills and open flame devices should be attended at all times when in use.
• Ensure all open flames, charcoal, and hot embers are fully extinguished and cooled when cooking is completed.

Related Story:
Johnson County Burn Bans

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Car vs building accident in Shawnee

Posted: October 18, 2011 - 6:48am
Updated: October 18, 2011 - 7:49am

Click to enlarge
Photo provided by the Shawnee Police Department

Just after 6:45 a.m. Tuesday morning, emergency crews were called to "Char House Barbeque and Fried Chicken" located 12200 Johnson Drive in Shawnee after a car crashed into the building.

Police say the female driver was helped from the car by the Fire Department and she was transported by Johnson County Med-Act to an area hospital with minor injuries. No one was inside the business at the time of the accident.

A witness at the scene tells Operation 100 News that the woman appears to be in her 60's. She was wearing her seat belt and the car's airbags were deployed. That witness also states that the woman was conscious and telling Police that she "swerved to miss another car" just before the crash.

No other injuries were reported.

Stay with Operation 100 News on this blog and on Twitter for the latest details as they become available.

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2011 National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend LIVE

This year marks the 30th Annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service and will honor six Kansas Firefighters. 72 firefighters died in 2010 and will be honored along with 17 firefighters who died in previous years who will be remembered at this official national service held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.


The National Firefighters Foundation says, in 2010 27 states lost firefighters in the line of duty. Illinois lost eight, New York and Pennsylvania each lost seven. Kansas lost six.


This year's memorial weekend is being held, October 14-16 2011.

John Bradford Glaser, age 33, of the Shawnee, Kansas Fire Department was separated from his crew and later found deceased inside the structure. He and his crew were attempting to locate a civilian reportedly in the structure on May 22, 2010. Glaser was also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and had been with the Shawnee Fire Department since 2004. He is survived by his wife Amber and two children. Firefighter John Glaser is among six Kansas Firefighters who will be memorialized this year.




You can watch LIVE on this site thanks to Motorola Solutions and WUSA9.com.


>>Candlelight Service will be broadcast on Saturday, October 15, 2011. Telecast begins at 5:15 p.m.; Service begins at 5:30 p.m. Central time.


>>Memorial Service will be broadcast on Sunday, October 16, 2011. Telecast begins at 8:30 a.m.; Service begins at 9 a.m. Central time.

BURN BAN announced for Shawnee

Posted: October 7, 2011 - 2:50pm
Updated: October 29, 2011 - 5:56am

The city of Shawnee has announced a burn ban and reminds citizens of the extremely dry conditions in the area.

The burn ban is effective immediately and bans all outdoor burning, regardless of if a permit has been previously issued. Residents that already hold burn permits are asked to contact the Fire Department at (913) 631-1080 to make arrangements to use the permits once the ban is lifted. The Fire Department will continue to monitor conditions and will resume issuing burn permits as soon as safe burning weather conditions will allow.

Citizens are also reminded to carefully discard smoking materials during this ban and cautioned against allowing vehicles to run while parked in grassy areas as both can ignite fires. Charcoal and other grills should be carefully monitored to insure that these fires remain contained to the grill.

"Simple precautions can help prevent fires from occurring withing our community and keep everyone safe," says Acting Fire Chief John Mattox in a statement released this afternoon.

Related Story:
Johnson County Burn Bans

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