The Salina Fire Department continues to respond to the widespread impacts of the severe weather that moved into Saline County at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Monday night, June 8, 2026, bringing heavy rain and wind gusts clocked at more than 100 mph.
Initially, when the storm entered the county, Salina Fire Department crews were dispatched to numerous motor vehicle crashes on I-70, predominantly involving semi-trucks and other high-profile vehicles affected by the extreme winds and rapidly changing travel conditions. Several of the occupants in those crashes sustained injuries that were considered serious but non-life threatening.
As the storm moved through the area, the nature of emergency calls quickly shifted. The department began receiving reports of multiple downed and arcing power lines, gas leaks, and possible residential fires. Due to the sustained high call volume, off-duty Fire Department personnel were requested to return to work and the department also requested mutual aid assistance from Saline County Fire Districts No. 5 and No. 7. coordinated through Saline County Emergency Management.
In the first 36 hours following the storm’s arrival, the department also responded to multiple structure fires. Preliminary findings indicate that most of those fires have been related to storm impacts, including issues associated with damaged power lines and the restoration of electrical service to affected properties. Between approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday night, when the storm struck the county, and 10:00 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, June 10, the Salina Fire Department responded to more than 160 requests for service.
The severe weather created a rapidly evolving situation for Salina Fire Department personnel and partner agencies. Since 9:30 Monday night, Fire Department personnel have worked continuously to respond to life safety emergencies, mitigate hazards, and protect property throughout