Wichita firefighters rescue four from burning apartment as roof collapses during response

The Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting on December 16, 2024, to discuss a recent emergency response incident involving the Wichita Fire Department and Sedgwick County EMS. The meeting focused on the timeline and actions taken during a significant fire event that occurred shortly before the meeting.

The incident began when an EMS medic preemptively responded to radio traffic regarding a fire, assigning two medics to the scene before official dispatch. Upon arrival, the fire department reported flames in front of several units, specifically Units 303 through 306. As the situation escalated, portions of the roof collapsed, prompting a mayday call from Engine 15 and Squad 15. Command quickly shifted to a defensive operational mode to ensure the safety of all personnel.

During the chaos, firefighters successfully rescued a resident from Unit 302, despite the collapsing stairway. A personal accountability report was initiated to confirm the safety of all firefighters involved. Shortly after, Sedgwick County emergency communications dispatched a second alarm to bolster the response.

Firefighters continued their search of the building, eventually breaking into Unit 306, where they encountered hazardous conditions. A victim was located in the bathtub, and three firefighters worked together to extricate the individual through a bedroom window. The victim, identified as Ms. Budesky, was transported to safety, where CPR was immediately administered.

By 4:34 AM, the first patient was transported to the hospital, with a total of four patients treated and transported by Sedgwick County EMS. The last patient was transported by 4:58 AM, and fire crews began to extinguish remaining hotspots and document the scene.

The meeting concluded with a review of the incident timeline, emphasizing the coordinated efforts of the EMS and fire department. The call was officially considered complete by 11:05 AM, marking the end of a complex and challenging emergency response. The commissioners acknowledged the dedication and quick actions of all personnel involved in the incident.