Johnson County Opens $17.5 Million Sunflower Fire Station for Northwest Consolidated Fire District

The new Sunflower Fire Station, costing $17.5 million, opened in Johnson County, serving the Northwest Consolidated Fire District and Johnson County Med-Act. Located northeast of the Panasonic EV battery plant at 35050 W. 99th St., the facility replaces Station 13, previously at 33150 W. 83rd St.

Funded by a collaboration of public and private entities, the station features 19,355 square feet of space designed for first responders, including living areas, a gym, and specialized laundry for gear decontamination. The Northwest Consolidated Fire District, established in 2010, serves De Soto and surrounding areas from three stations.

The population of De Soto is over 6,500, reflecting a 6% increase since 2020. The station is situated on land formerly occupied by the Sunflower Army Ammunition plant, which operated from 1941 until its closure in 1997. The nearby Panasonic plant is expected to employ 4,000 workers upon completion.