Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many people are employed by the Lenexa Fire Department?

A: Currently when fully staffed there are 85 employees in the Lenexa Fire Department (84 uniformed and 1 civilian personnel).

Q: How many Firefighters are on duty every day?

A: There are from 20 to 25 Firefighters on duty for each 24 hour shift. There are additional personnel in leadership and administrative roles on duty typically during normal business hours.

Q: How many fire stations does Lenexa have?

A: Lenexa has five fire stations staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q: Why did another Fire Department respond to my house or place of employment?

A: The City of Lenexa Fire Department participates in automatic aid and mutual aid agreements with many of the surrounding communities. This enables local fire departments to help each other out when one is busy with other calls or needs more resources then they currently have available. All of the Johnson County departments are dispatched by the Johnson County Communications Center which is able to track all of the available units for all of the member departments via satellite uplink. They will often send a unit from another fire department if they are able to determine that it can get to the emergency quicker, or if the closest Lenexa units are already busy. The Lenexa Fire Department responds in kind and responds to many calls outside of our City.

Q: Why are windows broken or holes cut in roofs during fire fighting operations?

A: As a fire burns, it moves upward then outward. Breaking the windows and/or cutting holes in the roof allows smoke and heat to escape the structure. This is called ventilation. This enables fire fighters to operate safely and efficiently. An unventilated structure can have heat build up to the point that even firefighter protective gear is inadequate for protection. Additionally, it is common for unventilated structures to have zero visibility due to smoke build up. Ventilation also limits the spread of fire and smoke, thus reducing damage.

Q: Does the Lenexa Fire Department provide both Fire and Emergency Medical Response?
A: Yes, the Fire Department responds to all fire, rescue and emergency medical incidents in the City. Whether a Fire Department pumper or rescue squad unit arrives, emergency care is provided by trained, certified professionals capable of providing basic and/or advanced emergency care.

Q: Can I bring my family or small group in for a tour of a fire station?

A: Absolutely. The Lenexa Fire Department welcomes visitors. If possible, we ask that you schedule your visit in advance utilizing our online form found on this website. You can also contact our business office at 913-888-6380 (M-F, 8-5) with additional questions. This way, we can ensure that firefighters are in house and available for the tour.

Q: Does the Lenexa Fire Department allow members of the public to ride along and observe calls and activities?

A: Yes, the Lenexa Fire Department fully supports community involvement in our mission including direct observation of activities. Participants must be at least 16 years of age. Those under 18 require a parent’s signed permission. Participants must complete a ride-along application form as well as a release from responsibility form and a privacy agreement. Ride-alongs typically take place during the day with participants shadowing the on-duty shift commander. For more information, contact the business office at 913-888-6380 (M-F, 8-5).