Firefighters from across the United States will converge in Wichita on September 24, 25 and 26 for Wichita HOT.
Wichita HOT started in 2007 as a training conference for local firefighters, intending to teach excellent, aggressive fire tactics to attendees who might not have access or funding to attend larger conferences. Over time, attendance has expanded to include neighboring departments and rural volunteers.
Wichita HOT is a collaborative effort between the Wichita Fire Department, the Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society (FOOLS) of Oz, the Derby Fire Department, and the Hutchinson Fire Department.
Over 240 firefighters from across the country are signed up for this year's conference, including attendees from Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas, Missouri, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Georgia, Illinois, and Arizona.
The Salvation Army and Firehouse Subs are donating food and refreshments for all participants. Additional sponsors include Butler Community College, Weis Fire, Elkhart Brass, and the Kansas State Firefighters Association.
