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Wichita Tackles Mold in 20 of 22 Fire Stations
Station 15 remains closed as city works to identify and address mold issues across the department.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The City of Wichita is addressing mold found in 20 of its 22 fire stations, with Station 15 remaining closed as crews work to trace the source and complete cleanup efforts. Public works director Gary Janzen says the city has identified the likely causes, including issues with ceiling tiles and ductwork, and is taking steps to remediate the problems across the department.
Why it matters
Mold exposure can pose serious health risks for firefighters and other first responders, who rely on fire stations as their workplaces. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring the safety and well-being of Wichita's fire department personnel.
The details
The city has already begun some remediation work at Station 15, including removing water-stained ceiling tiles as a precaution, though a consultant says these tiles are not the likely source of the mold. The station's ductwork, which is located under the floor, is also being addressed through the installation of ductless HVAC systems to combat potential condensation issues.
- On February 17, 2026, firefighters were exposed to mold at Station 15.
- Two days later, on February 19, 2026, public works director Gary Janzen updated the city council on the issues at Station 15 and the plan to address mold across the department.
The players
Gary Janzen
The public works director for the City of Wichita, overseeing the response to the mold issues in the city's fire stations.
What they’re saying
“We've identified where the mold is most likely coming from inside the station and have already finished some remediation work, but there's still a ways to go before Station 15 can reopen and before the mold at the stations is fully addressed.”
— Gary Janzen, Public Works Director (FOX Kansas News)
What’s next
The city plans to provide an update on the mold remediation efforts and the timeline for reopening Station 15 at a city council meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
The takeaway
Addressing mold in fire stations is a critical issue for the health and safety of first responders. The City of Wichita's proactive approach to identifying and remediating the problem across multiple stations demonstrates a commitment to protecting its firefighters and ensuring the continued operation of these essential community resources.
