Wichita Daily Local Brief

Mold forces closure of Fire Station 15

A Wichita fire station at Lincoln and Rock is temporarily closed after firefighters experienced burning eyes, noses and throats during remediation work. Inspection reports reviewed by city leaders show mold in 20 of the city’s 22 fire stations, prompting fresh concern about years of deferred maintenance and the impact on firefighter health.

Crews from Station 15 have been reassigned to other locations while further testing is completed. Union leaders and city officials acknowledge the closure could slow response times in the surrounding neighborhoods until a long-term fix is in place.

Early voting underway for 1% city sales tax

Early in-person voting has begun for Wichita’s March 3 special election on a proposed 1% citywide sales tax. Voters can cast ballots at the Sedgwick County Election Office during regular business hours, with additional satellite locations opening closer to Election Day.

The sales tax would run for seven years and is billed as a way to fund public safety facilities, upgrades to Century II and a new performing arts venue, property tax relief and other city priorities. Supporters argue the measure is needed to address aging infrastructure, including police and fire stations. Opponents question adding a new local tax and how the money will be overseen.

Cleanup continues after west Wichita train derailment

Work is still underway in west Wichita following a derailment involving several grain cars near Central and Zoo Boulevard. The incident happened on tracks owned by the Kansas and Oklahoma Railroad and left multiple cars off the rails south of the Central crossing.

Crews brought in heavy equipment to rerail cars and repair track and crossing damage. Some lanes and nearby crossings have faced closures and intermittent traffic delays during the cleanup. No serious injuries were reported, but the derailment has added to resident frustration over rail disruptions in the area.

Sources

• https://www.firerescue1.com/health-wellness/kan-firefighters-removed-from-station-after-mold-was-found-in-20-of-22-firehouses
• https://www.audacy.com/kmbz/news/local/wichita-fire-station-temporarily-closed-due-to-mold
• https://www.kwch.com/2026/02/16/early-in-person-voting-begins-wichita-special-election-sales-tax
• https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/communications/news-releases/one-week-left-to-register-to-vote-in-2026-wichita-special-election
• https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/train-cars-derail-near-central-163950677.html
• https://www.vote411.org/upcoming/39/events