Fire Department News

The Lee’s Summit Fire Department is partnering with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to promote Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4–10. This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” highlights simple steps everyone can take to charge devices safely. Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in. Many everyday devices—phones, tablets, laptops, tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters—use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which store significant energy in a small space. If damaged or charged improperly, these batteries can overheat, start a fire or even explode. “How you charge lithium-ion battery devices can make a difference in preventing home fires,” said Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Jim Eden. “It comes down to using safe habits each time you plug in.” ...

The City of Lee’s Summit invites the community to attend an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Joint Operations Center at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. The Joint Operations Center, located at 1001 N.W. Main St., brings together several City of Lee’s Summit departments and public safety functions. The facility houses Fire Administration, Lee’s Summit Communications Center and the city’s Emergency Operations Center. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests will have an opportunity to tour the facility and learn more about its role in supporting public safety, emergency communications and coordinated emergency operations. Light refreshments will be provided. The Joint Operations Center is one of the public safety projects included in the city’s 2023 no-tax-increase bond initiative. Event details Date: Tuesday, Sept. 1,...

A deck fire spread quickly to a house Tuesday evening. The Lee's Summit Fire Department responded to the 2500 block of NW Bent Tree Circle at 5:21 p.m. after the resident reported a grill fire on the deck. The occupants were evacuating the home. Crews arrived to find the deck and the back of the two-story home on fire, with flames spreading into the attic through the eaves. All occupants and pets were safely outside. Firefighters knocked down the flames on the deck as crews checked for extension into the house and attic. A search confirmed all occupants were out. The fire was contained mainly to the outside of the home, with some spread into the attic and several concealed spaces. Crews had to open areas inside the living space to reach the fire in the attic and concealed spaces between levels of the house. The fire was under control by 5:55 p.m. Fire damage was confined...

As the United States marks its 250th birthday this year, Independence Day celebrations carry added significance for communities across the nation. Take time to reflect on the country’s history and the shared values that unite Americans and celebrate responsibly. Prioritize safety. If you plan to use fireworks, follow local regulations and safety guidelines. All firework-related incidents are preventable. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were at least 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency department-treated injuries linked to fireworks misuse and malfunction. About 1,300 of those injuries involved sparklers. The 15-to-24 age group accounted for the largest share of injuries, with burns to the hands, fingers, and head most common. Many of the most severe incidents involved devices that tipped over, malfunctioned, or were used too close to...

This week marks National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and the Lee's Summit Fire Department is recognizing its Communication Specialists — fire and EMS dispatchers — for their contributions to public safety and the safety of first responders. As the first point of contact for people calling 911, they serve on the front lines of emergency response. The department's Communication Specialists' duties include gathering critical information in high-pressure situations, providing pre-arrival instructions to callers, serving as a vital link to firefighters and paramedics by monitoring radio activity and ensuring their safety, and coordinating responses across seven fire departments and fire protection districts: Lee's Summit Fire Department, Fort Osage Fire Protection District, Lone Jack Fire Protection District, Southern Jackson County Fire Protection...