Ottawa, KS Fire Department

10/08/2026

Thank you to Garfield Elementary School for spending the day with us! We had a great time teaching fire prevention. On to more schools next week!

10/08/2026

Superpower #4. Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving it plugged in longer than needed can increase heat and stress on the battery. Find out more: https://nfpa.social/4yijnbr

10/07/2026

Ottawa Fire Department’s B-Shift had a great time at Sacred Heart School today!

10/07/2026

Superpower #3. Battery safety starts with preventing damage and knowing the warning signs. A damaged lithium-ion battery can overheat and start a fire. Stop using your device right away if the battery smells strange, is warm to the touch, makes popping noises, changes in shape or color, or if you see smoke. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. Watch what can happen with a damaged lithium-ion battery: https://youtu.be/Af27049X8Io?si=rOOm2wRNIN7MWvwH

10/06/2026

Superpower #2. Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or floor. Beds,couches, and pillows can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat. How strong are your charging superpowers? Find out with the Family Power Check: https://bit.ly/4hQp5dU

10/05/2026

Superpower #1. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire. For more info: https://nfpa.social/47nmeUJ

10/05/2026

It’s officially ! Safe charging means making smart choices every time you plug in. Follow along all week for simple ways to use your safe charging superpower!

Rechargeable batteries store a lot of energy in a small space. If t...

10/04/2026

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09/12/2026

In 2002, as a way of showing her support for the Ottawa Fire Department following the attacks of September 11, Kathy Burgoon began a tradition.

Every year on September 11, Kathy brought taco soup to the fire station. It became something our firefighters looked forward to every year, and Kathy became affectionately known around OFD as the “Taco Soup Lady.”

In 2024, Kathy let us know that would be her final year bringing the soup because her health was failing. This morning, we learned that Kathy passed away a couple of months ago.

But today, her tradition continued.

Kathy’s coworkers at the District Court had her taco soup recipe, and they brought a large crockpot of Kathy’s taco soup to the fire station for us to enjoy—just like she had done for so many years.

Ladies, we don’t know who all of you are, but the Ottawa Fire Department THANKS YOU! What you did today meant more to us than you probably realize. You didn’t just bring us lunch. You helped carry on a tradition and reminded us of a woman who supported our department for more than two decades.

And if you would like to continue Kathy’s annual tradition, we would absolutely love that.

Kathy may no longer be able to walk through our doors with that crockpot, but the “Taco Soup Lady” and the kindness she showed OFD for all those years will not be forgotten.

Thank you, Kathy. And thank you to the ladies who made sure her tradition lived on today. ❤️