Mold Forces Evacuation of Wichita Fire Station 15 | February 2026

Wichita, Kansas – A significant number of Wichita’s fire stations are facing closures and temporary relocations following the discovery of widespread mold contamination, raising concerns about firefighter health and potential delays in emergency response times. February 16, 2026, Wichita Fire Station 15 was evacuated after firefighters reported experiencing irritation to their eyes, noses, and throats during remediation work.

The situation is far more extensive than initially understood. According to Vice Mayor and Wichita City Councilman Dalton Glasscock, mold has been detected in 20 of the city’s 22 fire stations. The discovery at Station 15 occurred while ceiling tiles were being removed as part of ongoing remediation efforts, prompting the immediate evacuation of the crew.

Firefighters stationed at Lincoln and Rock Road reported burning in their eyes, noses and throats, according to Glasscock, with further testing now underway to assess the extent of the contamination and ensure the safety of personnel. Crews from Station 15 have been temporarily reassigned to other stations within the city.

The closures are expected to impact emergency response times, a concern voiced by both city officials and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 353. Glasscock acknowledged that the closure of Station 15 results in longer response times and delayed emergency service for the residents and businesses who depend on us most. The IAFF has reported to the Wichita City Council that the situation will affect residents and businesses in the area.

The mold issue is not a new development, but rather the result of deferred maintenance for in-need city facilities, as Glasscock stated in a Facebook post. Brad Banz, a former Wichita Fire Department employee with over 20 years of service, echoed this sentiment, stating that the department has been putting bandaids on the stations due to budgetary constraints. Banz suggested that some stations, like Station 15, may require complete demolition, and rebuilding.

Ted Bush, president of the IAFF Local 353, described the conditions at Station 15 as particularly severe, stating Mold was in the air. It’s not just mold under the sink, mold around the duct, mold in the ducts, mold over here… Station 15 was one of the worst. He further noted that the building is over 60 years old, contributing to the ongoing maintenance challenges.

Bush also highlighted the health impacts on firefighters, reporting that many experience constant infections, ear infections and other health issues potentially linked to prolonged mold exposure. While refraining from detailing specific medical histories, Bush emphasized the detrimental effects on firefighter well-being.

The discovery at Station 15 follows an earlier alert in October, when personnel at Station 24 reported the presence of mold within the fire hall. This suggests a systemic issue affecting a substantial portion of Wichita’s fire infrastructure.

The situation raises broader questions about the state of municipal infrastructure in Wichita and the potential consequences of underfunding essential services. The widespread mold contamination underscores the importance of preventative maintenance and timely investment in public facilities. The city now faces the challenge of addressing the immediate health risks to firefighters, mitigating the impact on emergency response capabilities, and developing a long-term plan to remediate the mold problem across all affected stations.

While the immediate focus is on the health and safety of Wichita’s firefighters and the maintenance of emergency services, the situation also highlights the potential for similar issues to arise in other municipalities facing budgetary pressures and aging infrastructure. The case of Wichita’s fire stations serves as a cautionary tale about the long-term costs of deferred maintenance and the importance of prioritizing investment in essential public services.