Jun 06, 2023

Kan. fire chief injured in explosion is on his way home

Posted Jun 06, 2023 8:00 PM
Dylan Riedel -photo courtesy city of Russell
Dylan Riedel -photo courtesy city of Russell

RUSSELL COUNTY —City of Russell Fire Chief Dylan Riedel is on his way home from the burn unit, according to a statement Tuesday afternoon from the city of Russell.

Just after 9 p.m. Friday, the City of Russell Fire Department was paged to a structure fire at 1706 N. Main Street. Shortly after the first units arrived on the scene, a police officer reported an explosion and a firefighter injured.

Russell County EMS transported Riedel to Russell Regional Hospital and EagleMed then transported him to a burn unit at Via Christi in Wichita.

The city encouraged the public to come to the Russell Sale Barn, 720, South Fossil Street, to welcome Dylan home. Bring your flags, horns, or signs to support Dylan’s recovery. 

"Please remember that Dylan won't be able to have many visitors for some time. The risk of infection is high, and we don't want any setbacks in his recovery."