Some residents may have noticed a heavy presence of the Emporia Fire Department near South Kansas Highway 99 Friday, however, the EFD assures everyone there is no reason to be alarmed.
With water levels remaining high throughout the week — thanks to heavy rainfall — the fire department took the time to perform high-risk low-frequency situation training Friday. This includes responding to situations involving rapid moving waters, much like those at the Cottonwood River in Emporia currently.
Crews spend the time practicing with equipment such as lifelines and familiarizing themselves with boats on high waters. Captain Ryan Schmidt tells KVOE News the department traditionally performs this training only once or twice a year, however, the high waters have presented a rare extra opportunity.
Again EFD wants to remind residents there was no emergency in the area and their presence was simply for additional training.
