Level up to a higher state of firefighter readiness with our turn-key fixed and modular training structures.
Be sure to stop by our booth.
A LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
Designing a fire station today means more than housing trucks and gear. It means building an environment that supports the full spectrum of a firefighter’s life – on and off the call.
Across North America, departments are rethinking station design with a sharper focus on firefighter health, safety, and sustainability. We’re learning how elements like VOCs, lighting, noise, sleep spaces, and even color impact mental well-being and long-term resilience. The goal isn’t just operational efficiency, it’s building stations that allow firefighters to recover, reset, and stay whole.
We lean heavily on architects and builders to help us lead this charge. They’re not just building facilities – they’re shaping our future. And we need more than replication of old models. We need designs that reflect what we’ve learned and where we’re headed.
There are two key layers to this work: integrating all we know about functionality, flow, and standards, and coupling it with a deep understanding of wellness, human behavior, and the evolving needs of the job. That’s where the real innovation is happening.
At CRACKYL, we’re committed to being a part of this shift. Our mission is to simplify the process, inspire new thinking, and help departments make choices that serve their people – not just for today, but for the long haul.
This isn’t just about better buildings. It’s about better lives.
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER LEAH SOBON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RICK MARKLEY DIGITAL / COPY EDITOR TINA COSTANZA EDITOR@CRACKYLBUSINESSMEDIA.COM
EDITORIAL DESIGN NICOLE MANNELL CHELSEA PETERS
DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTS, SALES & MARKETING MARIA PELLETIER MPELLETIER@CRACKYLBUSINESSMEDIA.COM
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DYLAN LABELLE
EXECUTIVE FITNESS ADVISOR RYAN PROVENCHER
TECHNOLOGY ADVISOR KEVIN SOFEN
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
KATIE ATWATER, THEODORE GALANTE, KEN GALE, CRYSTAL HENRY, CHRISTOPHER KEHDE, LINDSEY KIEFER, ROBERT MANNS, RICK MARKLEY, ROBERT MITCHELL, ERIC PROS, MICHAEL T. PRY, BLAKE RICHARDSON, DENNIS ROSS, PATRICK STONE.
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHER STEPHEN BAER
CRACKYL Magazine is published four times a year by CRACKYL Media Inc. with copies delivered to firefighters across North America and beyond. No part of the content, including but not limited to editorial, advertising or photography, may be copied or reprinted without the permission of the publisher. ISSN # 2563-612X PUBLISHED AND PRODUCED BY: CRACKYL MEDIA INC.
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The opinions presented in our magazine are those of the authors of the articles. We enjoy the opportunity to present a variety of viewpoints but do not necessarily endorse them.
COVER PHOTO OF: NEW BRAUNFELS FIRE DEPARTMENT STATION 2, NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS, BROWN REYNOLDS WATERFORD ARCHITECTS
the fire service, architects, local governments, and researchers can use to leverage improved facilities for emergency responders.
Insight into how to address the fundamentals of getting started in the process and site selection will be covered. Areas of special design and equipment will be illustrated, such as the apparatus bay, the kitchen, sleeping quarters, HVAC, and other areas of the station.
Find out how station design can have an impact on volunteer recruitment and retention. There will be a session on developing security within and around the station, and how to select interior finishes for minimal maintenance and improved durability.
Many fire stations are designed based on current operations. However, history has shown that this is not thinking ahead. The station you are building or renovating must serve your community for 75 years, on average.
Never Build Another Fire Station. That is, never build one without being knowledgeable about the overall process and the many intricacies of a station. Many departments enter a new station build or major renovation without the knowledge needed for a facility that will properly serve the community and its firefighters for decades to come. Moreover, only a handful of architects are experienced and knowledgeable about the unique nature of fire stations.
Robert Tutterow A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
On behalf of the board of directors and staff of F.I.E.R.O., thank you for reading this second annual CRACKYL magazine supplement. We hope you find the articles and photos educational, and they motivate you to learn more about this subject. As you read this edition, please be mindful of the next Annual F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Symposium this Sept. 21-24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in beautiful downtown Greenville, S.C.
We will have a pre-symposium seminar strictly on health and safety in a fire station on Sunday, Sept. 21. During this session, you will learn about things such as the new NFPA
1585 – Standard for Exposure and Contamination Control, which has requirements for stations. There will be presentations on how to minimize sleep deprivation through design and alerting systems. There will be a session on how to design and outfit proper decon and laundry for cleaning PPE and equipment. And there will be ideas on how to design a station to minimize stress and promote camaraderie. The pre-symposium also has a track for case studies.
For the main symposium, which begins Sept. 22 and adjourns midday Sept. 24, there are more than 30 topics on the schedule. In total, there are almost 50 presentations from which to choose. In addition to the formal presentations, the event features the entries in the fire station design awards competition.
The main symposium will feature a report on air-quality monitoring in fire stations that is being conducted by Dr. Heather Stapleton from Duke University. A report on a recently completed fire station database will be presented. Here, a survey was used to create this database that
Think about changes in the past 50 years. We have become an all-hazards response service, with EMS being the majority of our responses. We have taken on hazmat and special ops. Fitness rooms have become a standard, and more female firefighters continue to join the ranks.
This year’s F.I.E.R.O. Symposium will have several presentations related to the future of fire stations, including how AI is now emerging in station design.
What will the future hold? You may think you do not want an electric vehicle, but there is a strong likelihood an electric vehicle will be in your fleet within the next 75 years. Will you design and equip for that?
Robert Tutterow
F.I.E.R.O. PRESIDENT
PRESCRIBED FOR
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS MAY INCLUDE:
• Restful Sleep
• Elevated Energy
• Improved Focus
• Mental Clarity
• Boosted Morale
• Stress Relief
DOWNLOAD TODAY AND GET YOUR DAILY DOSE OF CRACKYL FIRST RESPONDERS
• Stabilized Mood
• Balanced Life
• Increased Focus
HIGH-TECH SAFETY ISSUE
HIGH-TECH SAFETY ISSUE
DESIGNING A STATION THAT CAN ADAPT TO CHANGING TECHNOLOGY WILL IMPROVE FIREFIGHTER SAFETY, WELLNESS AND EFFICIENCY
While this is not the highest rate of death recorded in history (there were 174 in 1978), it is the second-highest number recorded since 2013
89 PLANNING FOR AS A
FIREFIGHTERS DIED “FROM TRAUMATIC INJURIES, HEART ATTACKS, STROKES, OR ANEURYSMS WHILE ON DUTY OR WITHIN 24 HOURS OF DUTY,” ACCORDING TO THE 2023 NFPA RESEARCH REPORT FATAL FIREFIGHTER INJURIES IN THE UNITED STATES.
As architects, one of our core responsibilities is to implement the latest technological advancements to provide first responders with the right tools for the job. With advances in AI and technology, it’s never been a more exciting time to implement machine learning and streamlined technology that supports firefighters.
WHILE INTIMIDATING ON THE OUTSIDE, ARCHITECTS CAN HELP BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY AND FIRST RESPONDERS’ NEEDS.
To first understand how AI can help first responders,
it’s important to properly define artificial intelligence.
In What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?, IBM calls it “technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problemsolving, decision-making, creativity, and autonomy.”
Simply put, AI mimics the human ability to analyze complex situations and provide solutions more quickly, with fewer errors, and on a larger scale.
As a simple example from The Role of AI in Modern Fire and Rescue Services, AI can respond to a house fire by quickly compiling data collected from the known environment (building materials, environmental wind speeds, temperatures) and develop a predictive fire
model that can support first responders as they form containment strategies. In the event of a massive neighborhood fire, where variables are constantly changing, AI can rapidly scale operations, providing a guidepost for emergency responders during a large-scale catastrophe.
PROJECT MANAGERS FROM THE GALANTE ARCHITECTURE STUDIO CONSISTENTLY SEE ARCHAIC SYSTEMS THAT ARE NOT PREPARED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF MODERNDAY CHALLENGES.
Tangles of cables connecting multiple outdated systems, dangerous placement, and old technology unable to be effectively replaced cannot provide modern firefighters with the tools they need
By Theodore Galante, AIA, LEED AP, President of The Galante Architecture Studio. Photo provided by the author.
WHERE AI’S STRENGTHS LIE IS IN ACTING AS A THOUGHT PARTNER, PROVIDING INSIGHTS THROUGH COLLECTED DATA POINTS THAT AREN’T IMMEDIATELY NOTICEABLE DURING POST-INCIDENT ANALYSIS.
We have found these incidents consistent in fire stations well past their lifespan (40 years or older), when building stations with technological support was not a priority. Our renovation on the 100-year-old Cambridge Fire headquarters includes building a stateof-the-art data center, and consolidating multiple complex technological systems into a unified system that can be managed more efficiently than three separate, unplanned rooms full of outdated technology.
Not only does this consolidation save money and space, it is a much safer, less complex system that provides quicker and clearer communications to engaged first responders
The utility of AI doesn’t stop on the front lines. Where AI’s strengths lie is in acting as a thought partner, providing insights through collected data points that aren’t immediately noticeable during post-incident analysis.
During large-scale events where documenting incidents is critical, but time is minimal, AI has the capacity to create preliminary reports ready for review. This reduces administrative time and the potential for human error during extended shifts common during long emergency events.
The Department of Homeland Security quoted Brady Robinette, a lieutenant with Lubbock (Texas) Fire Rescue, describing the
realities of documenting emergency incidents:
“IT COULD BE SOME TIME BEFORE YOU GET AROUND TO WRITING THAT REPORT, AND HOW MANY CALLS HAVE YOU RUN SINCE THEN? YOU KNOW, YOU’RE SLEEP DEPRIVED.”
Using AI to compile the correct data and insights when learning from an experience, fire chiefs are able to focus on making the right decisions and caring for the rest of the fire department.
Technology’s impact on public safety response is crucial to meet the changing needs of modern-day firefighting. Advancements in early wildfire detection through gas detecting sensors, artificial intelligence, and
local wireless networks are helping start-ups such as Dryad prevent raging infernos before they begin. Fireresistant remote drones can be used to enter dangerous fires to provide surveillance and up-to-date information for first responders.
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS, BUT IT STARTS WITH ENGAGING WITH AN ARCHITECT TO POSITION YOUR DEPARTMENT TO ADOPT AND ADAPT TO GAMECHANGING TECHNOLOGY.
When planning to build your community’s new fire station or renovating an outdated station, it is essential to not only plan for your department’s current needs, but to also plan how your team can tackle the challenges of the future
BUILDING A DAYROOM SWISS ARMY KNIFE
By Eric Pros, Director of Design, DS Architecture
A thoughtfully designed dayroom brings the team together and serves to make the station feel like a home. The dayroom needs to be flexible enough for a range of activities, providing space for team-building, events, and quiet relaxation. The role of the dayroom in a fire station is much like the living room of a
home, where firefighters can unwind, socialize, and prepare for the next call.
Unlike typical work breakrooms, this space must support various activities and functions from adjacent spaces, including eating, relaxing, team bonding, and even studying or training.
The challenge is balancing communal interaction with the need for privacy and quiet time, particularly in an environment where sleep and relaxation can be disrupted at a moment’s notice.
Here are eight ways to get the most out of a dayroom.
FLEXIBLE LAYOUT
Open-concept designs allow for easy movement and interaction, but partitions, sliding doors, or separate zones can provide privacy when needed. Moveable dividers or modular furniture can create distinct areas for different uses without making the space feel too compartmentalized or constricted.
The layout should also take into consideration emergency readiness. The dayroom should have clear and unobstructed pathways and convenient doorway openings to access circulation corridors to get to the apparatus bays.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Protect air quality with proper ventilation and air purification systems to help remove contaminants from the air. If the main kitchen is far away, providing a kitchenette with healthy snacks and meal preparation areas gives firefighters a way to maintain good nutrition. A quiet zone or wellness nook, equipped with comfortable seating and soothing decor, can offer a retreat for firefighters who need time to decompress alone.
HIGH-QUALITY SEATING
Lighting plays a critical role in creating a comfortable dayroom. Since firefighters spend hours indoors, lighting should be adjustable to mimic natural cycles and reduce fatigue. Bright, daylight color temperature is beneficial for alertness during training or communal activities during the day.
Warm, dimmable lights can help ease the transition into relaxation or sleep. To further enhance comfort, blackout curtains or motorized shades can be used to block out natural light for those resting during the day. Reducing glare and ensuring proper illumination control can help firefighters manage their energy levels more effectively.
TECHNOLOGY AND ENTERTAINMENT
A high-quality audiovisual setup, including a large-screen television, surround sound, and gaming consoles can provide stress relief and enhance team bonding. Additionally, the space should have ample electrical outlets and charging stations for personal devices. Wi-Fi connectivity should be strong and reliable, allowing for streaming entertainment, training videos, or even personal study.
The furniture in a firefighter dayroom should be comfortable, durable, and adaptable. Seating should support both social interactions and individual relaxation. Options such as sectional sofas, recliners, and lounge chairs create a comfortable and inviting space, while modular seating arrangements allow flexibility for different group sizes. Tables and countertops should accommodate a variety of activities, including eating, reading, studying, and working on devices. Surfaces should be durable, easy to clean, and resilient to stand up to 24/7 use.
STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Built-in cabinetry or shelving can provide space for personal belongings, media equipment, and communal items. Lockers or cubbies ensure firefighters have designated areas for their items, preventing misplaced or scattered personal effects.
Flooring should be resistant to spills and wear, while upholstery should be stain-resistant and comfortable. Fire-resistant and antimicrobial materials should also be prioritized to ensure safety and hygiene.
The overall goal of designing a firefighter dayroom is to make the station feel like a home away from home. Adding personal touches, such as framed photos, custom wall murals, or memorabilia reflecting the department’s history and achievements, can further enhance the feeling of home. The station should foster a sense of belonging and community.
Allowing firefighters to have input in the design process ensures the space meets their specific needs. Their insights can help tailor furniture choices, lighting preferences, and room layouts to suit their unique culture.
MILTON STATION 42 MILTON, GA
CROFT & ASSOCIATES
Design to Maximize Adult Learning
PLAN FOR YOUR NEXT FIREHOUSE TO BE A LEARNING CENTER; ANY ADDED COST WILL BE OFFSET BY REDUCED LOST TIME TO INJURY AND ILLNESS
By Robert Manns, Principal, MW Studios. All photos provided by the author.
As fire departments evolve to meet increasing service demands, fire station design has moved far beyond simply housing apparatus and personnel. Today’s stations are multi-functional facilities supporting readiness, education, and community connection.
A proven trend in station design is integrating multi-purpose classrooms and practical training elements directly into the station layout. These spaces reflect the industry’s shift toward continuous learning and on-site skills development.
Training has always been a cornerstone of fire service operations. However, the demands of modern emergency response require more than just physical drills. They also require cognitive readiness, scenario-based learning, and opportunities for crossdisciplinary coordination. Moreover, training needs to be scalable and dynamic so that it benefits everyone, from rookies to seasoned veterans.
To meet these needs, forwardthinking departments prioritize training spaces built into the station itself, rather than relying solely on off-site training centers.
THIS SHIFT PROVIDES SEVERAL ADVANTAGES:
REDUCED TRAVEL TIME AND COST ASSOCIATED WITH USING EXTERNAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING WEAR AND TEAR ON APPARATUS
INCREASED TRAINING FREQUENCY AND FLEXIBILITY, ALLOWING CREWS TO REMAIN IN SERVICE WHILE TRAINING
ENHANCED TEAM COHESION THROUGH SHARED DAILY LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS
IMPROVED RETENTION OF RECRUITS AND SEASONED PROFESSIONALS BY REINFORCING A CULTURE OF SAFETY AND GROWTH
WHEN PEOPLE HEAR “CLASSROOM,” THEY MAY THINK OF A SIMPLE CONFERENCE SPACE OR TRADITIONAL ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT. HOWEVER, THE MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM IS A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL TRAINING AND OPERATIONS HUB. IT SUPPORTS:
CLASSROOM-BASED INSTRUCTION, INCLUDING LECTURES, PRESENTATIONS, AND EMS CONTINUING EDUCATION
TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED LEARNING, SUCH AS VIRTUAL INCIDENT SIMULATIONS AND HYBRID LEARNING PLATFORMS
COMMAND CENTER FUNCTIONALITY DURING LARGE-SCALE INCIDENTS OR COMMUNITY EMERGENCIES
CORNERSTONE
"TRAINING HAS ALWAYS BEEN A OF FIRE SERVICE OPERATIONS."
These rooms are typically located near the main public entrance and are designed to be accessible to community members and visiting responders without disrupting station operations. While proximity to the apparatus bays isn’t essential — since those using the classrooms are generally alert and active — the layout ensures clear circulation paths to support occasional transitions between training and operational duties.
Spaces closer to the bays are better reserved for dormant environments , such as bunk rooms, where rapid response is more critical.
Modern training rooms often feature modular furniture, integrated audio and visual systems, writable surfaces, and sound insulation to support various instructional and collaborative activities.
For example, the classroom is strategically positioned just off the main lobby at the White Marsh Volunteer Fire Company in Maryland. This makes it easy to use for public CPR training, volunteer
recruitment events, and multiagency drills without interfering with on-duty crew functions or response readiness. This clear separation supports operational focus while maximizing community access and engagement.
NEW STATIONS OFTEN INCORPORATE WHAT DESIGNERS REFER TO AS PASSIVE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES - ELEMENTS OF THE STATION THAT DOUBLE AS FUNCTIONAL TRAINING TOOLS. SOME EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
STAIRWELLS WITH BUILTIN STANDPIPES AND HOSE CONNECTIONS TO PRACTICE HIGH-RISE EVOLUTIONS
EXTERIOR WALLS WITH ANCHOR POINTS FOR ROPE RESCUE TRAINING
HATCHES AND CONFINED SPACE ACCESS POINTS DESIGNED TO SIMULATE TRENCH OR CRAWL SCENARIOS
WINDOW OPENINGS AND BALCONY FEATURES FOR LADDER PLACEMENT AND VICTIM REMOVAL DRILLS
Because these are already part of the building’s essential systems, they can be easily integrated into the station’s layout, particularly within the apparatus bay. And this can be done with minimal added cost. By designing hose connections, standpipes, anchor points, or confined space hatches to double as training aids, stations become living classrooms where personnel can maintain critical skills during routine downtime without disrupting daily operations.
Physical wellness is a core component of first responder readiness, and station planners increasingly prioritize fitness rooms as essential spaces.
One effective design strategy is locating the fitness room along the exterior edge of the building, ideally with access to a secure outdoor area. This allows physical training to extend beyond the walls, enabling outdoor workouts.
Roll-up doors, sliding glass panels, or operable walls can create a seamless connection between the indoor gym and adjacent exterior surfaces, such as turf zones, concrete pads,
FIVE BEST PRACTICES
HAVE EMERGED TO EFFECTIVELY INTEGRATE TRAINING SPACES INTO A FIRE STATION DESIGN.
1. PLAN FOR FLEXIBILITY
or training yards. This adds flexibility to workout routines and supports group PT sessions, circuit training, and warmweather conditioning without crowding indoor space.
THE INTEGRATION OF MULTIPURPOSE SPACES ALSO SUPPORTS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND INTER-AGENCY COLLABORATION. SUCH AREAS ARE OFTEN USED TO HOST:
CPR TRAINING AND FIRST AID COURSES
PUBLIC SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS AND CIVIC GROUPS
JOINT TRAINING EXERCISES WITH POLICE, EMS, OR PUBLIC WORKS
COMMUNITY MEETING GROUPS, SUCH AS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS, YOUTH FIRE ACADEMIES, OR FIRE CORPS VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
(WHICH HELPS ENHANCE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT,
SUPPORT RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION, AND ALIGN WITH FIREPREVENTION AND RISKREDUCTION GOALS)
FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES
Building with a view toward education and training will save a department money over the life of the station. Integrated training spaces significantly enhance safety and wellness within the fire service by routinely enabling firefighters to practice essential skills. Regular access to these spaces reduces the risk of injury during real-world incidents by reinforcing proper techniques, muscle memory, and team coordination.
And time off for injury and illness is costly. When investment leads to measurable improvements in safety and long-term health, the value becomes not just practical, but mission-critical.
Training needs to evolve; classrooms and training elements should accommodate multiple uses .
2. DESIGN FOR DURABILITY
Training areas experience heavy use; finishes should be robust and easy to maintain
3. SAFETY AND STANDARDS
Practicum-based elements such as anchor points should be designed and detailed to meet the load and safety requirements established in NFPA 1402.
4. ENSURE CLEAR SEPARATION
Public access to training spaces should not compromise station security or firefighter rest areas.
5. INCLUDE STORAGE & TECHNOLOGY
The multi-purpose room should have built-in storage for furniture and training props, and contain an adaptable infrastructure for evolving tech needs.
Advanced Inspection, Cleaning, Repair & Rental Services. Because Clean, Undamaged Gear Is Safer Gear.
WHY NFPA MATTERS TO YOUR STATION DESIGN
By Katie Atwater, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Senior Associate at FGM Architects
What started 10 years ago in a conversation after a long day of conference sessions is now the industry standard as documented and defined by its inclusion in multiple National Fire Protection Association standards.
Data shows that firefighters are more likely to develop cancer and die from cancer than the general population.
AND THAT LINK HAS BEEN TIED DIRECTLY TO FIREFIGHTING.
HERE’S HOW NFPA STANDARDS ARE MEANT TO KEEP FIREFIGHTERS HEALTHIER AND SAFER IN THE FIREHOUSE.
The impact fire station design could have on cancer rates in the fire service has been discussed in the decade following that initial conversation at the 2014 F.I.E.R.O. Station Design Symposium. Originally coined “Hot Zone Design” by Paul Erickson of LeMay Erickson Willcox Architects (now part of FGM), this architectural approach protects firefighters by isolating dangerous particles brought back to the station from exposure to fires, biohazards or other contaminated events.
AT ITS CORE, THIS MEANS INCLUDING SPACES TO REMOVE CARCINOGENS FROM FIREFIGHTERS’ EQUIPMENT, GEAR AND BODIES AS SOON AS THEY RETURN TO THE STATION — AND KEEPING THOSE SPACES AS FAR AWAY FROM LIVING QUARTERS AS POSSIBLE.
Contaminant control and reducing the potential for cross contamination have evolved into red–yellow–green design. This draws on how fire station floor plans are color coded to
denote contaminated (red), transition (yellow), and clean (green) areas.
In recent years, NFPA standards have been updated to include the red–yellow–green zone concepts to address exposure to various carcinogens emergency services personnel face. NFPA standards are not codes, unless adopted by the authority having jurisdiction. But they are written by multidisciplinary groups who champion fire-protection issues. In the case of the red, yellow and green design concepts, the group includes firefighters, scientists, health professionals and, yes, even architects.
In the late 19th century, a group of insurance professionals created NFPA to establish fire-protection standards across the country. Since the initial publication of NFPA 13 (sprinkler system recommendations) in 1896, it has published more than 400 codes and standards on topics from the Fire Code (NFPA 1), to the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), to the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) and many others.
While NFPA standards may not be required in the way that building
codes are, a jurisdiction, department or request for quotes for a specific station design can require the design to follow NFPA recommendations.
The importance of the updates to the NFPA 1500-series of standards — including 1550, 1580, and 1585 — to station design is substantial. Beyond red–yellow–green design, these standards include recommendations based on responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and other health and wellness topics.
As part of the recent Emergency Response and Responder Safety Document Consolidation Plan, NFPA 1580 was issued in 2025 to combine the previously issued Standards 1581, 1582, 1583, and 1584. This update includes a rewritten Chapter 5 listing guidelines for infection control for fire department facilities. This chapter includes the definitions of red, yellow and green zones, as well as recommendations related to hand washing, food preparation and storage, sleeping areas, bathrooms, and cleaning and disinfecting areas.
The Standard for Exposure and Contamination Control (NFPA 1585)
Photo by IRIS 22
Photo by Spielmann Studio
DEDICATED
was also recently updated and includes a more in-depth explanation and series of standards related to the contaminant control within a station. This standard includes higher level direction on spaces that should be grouped together. And it gives more detailed information about what equipment should go in what zones and what types of functions should be served in higher risk, red areas vs. what functions should occur in the lower risk, green zones.
Many of the standards listed in NFPA 1585 build on the original concepts of hot zone design from 10 years ago combined with years of experience on what is practical in a station design.
NFPA’S COLLECTION ALSO INCLUDES A MULTITUDE OF OTHER STANDARDS IMPORTANT TO DESIGNING HOLISTICALLY HEALTHY FIRE STATIONS.
The 1000 series of standards defines the professional qualifications for firefighters and driver/operators, among others. As more stations are incorporating a range of training
opportunities, it is important for departments and design teams to understand how to do so in a safe manner.
Along with contaminant control and training, it is essential that each fire station be designed around the most efficient response path to allow personnel to quickly and safely get from any location in the station to their assigned apparatus when a call comes in. While not directly defining a station layout, NFPA Standards 1710 (for career departments) and 1720 (for volunteer departments) provide the intended turnout time.
WHERE SPACES ARE LOCATED WITHIN A STATION, HOW THEY ARE CONNECTED, AND HOW THEY ARE SEPARATED ARE THREE OF THE PRIMARY FACTORS IMPACTING TURNOUT TIME.
Career crews at a well-laid-out station can meet the 60-second goal for EMS calls and the 80-second goal for fire calls. For stations with gear laundry on site, NFPA 1851 and 1852 are also essential as they
describe how to care for and maintain PPE and SCBA equipment in a healthy and safe manner.
For those looking into designing a station or looking for justifications on why their existing station may need to be renovated or expanded, the NFPA codes and standards are an invaluable resource.
WHILE THE SHEER MAGNITUDE OF INFORMATION INCLUDED IN THE MORE THAN 400 DOCUMENTS MAY BE INTIMIDATING, BREAKING DOWN THE HANDFUL OF SECTIONS THAT SHOULD INFORM STATION DESIGN IS THE BEST START.
Departments can use these documents to guide their conversations with internal stakeholders, as well as provide an independent justification to their larger community, municipal officials, and any others who may challenge why funds should be allocated for this purpose.
APPARATUS BAY TOILET/SHOWER ROOM AT CONCORD TOWNSHIP FIRE STATION 1 IN CONCORD, OHIO.
GEAR LAUNDRY AND CLEANING ROOM WITH EXTRACTOR, DRYING RACK, AND SPECIALIZED DECON EQUIPMENT AT CONCORD TOWNSHIP FIRE STATION 1 IN CONCORD, OHIO.
Photo by Cory Klein Photography
Photo by Cory Klein Photography
MARION STATION 1
MARION, IA
OPN ARCHITECTS
EVEN IF YOU ARE YEARS AWAY FROM INSTALLING A MEMORIAL, PLANNING NOW WILL MAKE IT WAY EASIER DOWN THE ROAD
PLANNING
FOR A
Forever Monument
By Rick Markley, Executive Editor, CRACKYL Magazine
We often think of firehouse art as confined within the station walls. Paintings, murals and photographs leap to mind. And a well-designed building is art in its own right.
Yet many fire departments turn to art as a vehicle to memorialize the fire service and those who died in its service. Sculptures, walls and walkways leap to mind.
This, of course, brings art into the outdoor space. It also means the art is way more public and way more permanent
As with most new fire station design elements, the earlier monuments make it into the planning phase, the better. The biggest concern will be how much space the monument will need and if there are any costs associated with setting aside that space. But even down to the little things, like how the monument will be used, installation will be much smoother when it is built into the plans from the start
To get to the heart of this, we reached out to a guy who knows something about monument installations. Austin
Weishel is a sculptor whose largerthan-life bronze works memorializing fire, police and military are peppered across the country. To learn more about Weishel, check out CRACKYL’s profile of him in our Spring 2025 issue.
Weishel reiterated the need for early planning. Change orders are expensive, he says. Thinking through the monument plans can prevent many of those added costs.
We also talked to architect Dennis Ross, technical advisor for H2M Architects + Engineers
HERE ARE SEVEN THINGS OUR EXPERTS SAID TO PLAN FOR
ONe
WHAT FEELING DOES THE DEPARTMENT WANT TO EVOKE FOR FIREFIGHTERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO VISIT THE FIRE STATION?
This sets the intention of both the memorial and the immediate surroundings.
TWO PLAN FOR SURROUNDING PLANTS, SHRUBS OR TREES
Take into account how you want this landscaping to look and how much effort will be required to keep it looking that way — plant life does grow, after all.
THREE
HOW VISIBLE SHOULD THE MONUMENT BE FROM THE ROAD, AND HOW INVITING IS THE SPACE?
Weigh the intention of drawing people in from the outside and giving those who do visit a place for solitude and reflection.
FOUR
HOW MUCH AREA DO YOU WANT FOR PEOPLE TO GATHER, SIT ON BENCHES, AND CONNECT WITH THE FIREFIGHTERS AND THE MEMORIAL?
Art affects people differently. That’s especially true when the artwork memorializes fallen heroes and loved ones. Will you need space for private reflection, large gatherings or both?
FIVE
CONSIDER WHAT THE BASE OR PEDESTAL OF THE MONUMENT WILL BE AND IF IT WILL SERVE OTHER FUNCTIONS, SUCH AS SEATING OR PLAQUES
Be sure to run 2-inch conduit for wiring, even if the monument’s installation is further into the future.
SIX
HOW MUCH WILL THE SPACE BE USED FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS?
If moderate or large gatherings may be held here, added space for seating and parking may be needed. This also means planning for lighting and sound that could be needed for daily and special uses.
SEVEN HOW MUCH SECURITY WILL BE NEEDED?
It is a sad commentary, but monuments are often vandalized or defaced out of malice toward public servants or simply by those who are too immature to understand the work’s importance to others. Can nighttime decorative lighting and inconspicuous cameras serve as a deterrent to vandals?
BUILDING RESILIENCE FOR
By Christopher Kehde,
Director, and
Managing
Crystal Henry, Researcher, both from FMG Architects
FIRE STATION DESIGN SHOULD INCORPORATE SPACES THAT ALLOW FIREFIGHTERS TO
RECOVER AND DECOMPRESS.
Resilience is the capacity to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties. The public depends on firefighters to be strong when others are weak, compassionate when there is little hope, and to persevere in the face of danger. Continually finding strength in adversity can impact mental and behavioral health as well as overall health and wellness.
Studies show firefighters have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, PTSD, substance abuse and suicide.
DESIGNING FIRE STATIONS THAT SUPPORT EFFORTS TO REDUCE STRESS AND PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CAN HELP MITIGATE THESE RISKS WHILE IMPROVING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL RESILIENCE.
Physical resilience is the body’s ability to withstand and recover from stressors such as injuries, illnesses, or external demands. Fire station design should incorporate a holistic approach to training to improve physical resilience, including classroom training, physical training and practical training.
Current fire service training standards often require large fitness rooms. This allows staff to exercise together, with equipment to support strength training, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility. High ceilings, bright lighting, adequate ventilation, and access to an outdoor patio are all
important design elements. Also, give careful consideration to the location of the fitness room in the facility to provide visibility for monitoring and safety of the users. Sound and scent control also should be addressed.
The classroom provides another opportunity for team building and stressing the importance of enhancing mental and physical resilience. It gives staff a setting to reinforce best practices, including mental preparedness and detailed preincident planning.
Having on-site practical training allows the crew to remain in service. It can be programmed into the station design in multiple ways, providing interior and exterior training opportunities.
A mezzanine adjacent to the apparatus bays is a cost-effective and all-weather solution to provide a sprinkler lab, bailout windows for ladder evolutions, a rappelling wall, tie-off and rope anchors, and a manhole to a storage room or shop to provide confined space training.
Whether stand-alone or paired with a training mezzanine, a training tower can facilitate a variety of training scenarios, including hose line advancement, victim extrication, vertical rope rescue, ladder evolutions, and stokes training. A tower can also double as a space to hang, dry and store hoses if needed.
Get more flexibility from the secondfloor terrace or roof by building it for
rappelling, rescue basket training, and other ladder evolutions. Depending on the station’s interior layout, this space may also double as a place for the crew to relax and decompress with minimal added cost.
MENTAL RESILIENCE IS AS IMPORTANT AS PHYSICAL RESILIENCE.
Traditionally, post-event debriefs that take place around the kitchen table can help firefighters process traumatic events to reduce the risk of developing PTSD. But good station design can go beyond the dayroom table.
Fire station design should incorporate spaces that allow firefighters to recover and decompress. Resilience rooms provide opportunities to engage in mindfulness activities to improve resilience and coping.
Allowing the brain to decompress and process information can mitigate the impact of stress reactions to trauma exposure.
An outdoor patio located in a quiet area of the site with views of nature and exposure to the sun and sky also reduces stress and anxiety.
When reviewing project priorities and developing the detailed program for your new station or renovation, it is important to work with your design team. Evaluate how features like these best practices can be incorporated into your project to support first responder health and wellness.
PHOTO BY CHRIS SPIELMAN
MAKE IT EASIER FOR FIREFIGHTERS TO TRAIN BY BUILDING THE FIREHOUSE TO BE A COLLECTION OF TRAINING PROPS
By Michael T. Pry, AIA LEED AP, Principal, DP3 Architects, Ltd.
As architects, it is important for us to understand the unique training goals of each department to assist with developing cost-effective ways to integrate everyday training into the design of the modern firehouse. Fire department staff will need to work with architects to fully think through those training goals.
There are three areas for design exploration that address the health, safety and welfare needs of firefighters: TRAINING, FITNESS AND WELLNESS
TRAINING DESIGN SO EVERY DAY IS TRAINING DAY
Training can take various forms, from traditional classroom learning and daily fitness routines to more intense fireground training activities. The CPAT is the most common and wellknown physical ability test used in the fire service. Its rigorous physical test covers eight areas: stair climb, hose drag, equipment carry, ladder raise and extension, forcing entry, search, rescue drag, and ceiling breach and pull.
Each of these focus areas can be easily incorporated into a typical apparatus bay design, eliminating the need to move personnel off-site or suspend training due to weather conditions. Having access to these training zones within the station will encourage firefighters to use them daily. If it is easy to use, it will be used.
Establishing the indoor and outdoor training needs of a station is one of the
first decisions to be made when designing a firehouse. It is less costly to plan for this in design than going back to retrofit an existing station. These specific needs will guide your architect in determining the best ways to integrate these elements into the overall station design.
OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER INCLUDE LIGHTING DESIGN, WET LOCATION DESIGN, APPROPRIATE FINISH SELECTIONS, SAFETY AND VISIBILITY, LOCATIONS FOR TIE-OFFS, OVERHEAD CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS, WALL AND STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT, AND THE ABILITY TO DEVELOP MULTI-USE SPACES.
For example, a typical apparatus bay has a high-ceiling requirement and will typically have a free zone of space above adjacent support rooms with lower ceilings. This zone can be easily captured as a storage or training
mezzanine with the simple addition of removable rails, small balconies, operable doors/windows, and manholes.
This zone can accommodate training for all eight areas of the CPAT and a multitude of training exercises including ladder evolutions, balcony rescue, survival bail-out drills, swift water rescue, rappelling, confined space rescue, stair climb, hose advancement and much more.
Adding a door directly from the mezzanine to an adjacent flat roof training zone will extend training to the outdoors to allow for rooftop rescue drills by ground ladders or apparatus. Similarly, just exposing the fire sprinkler riser within an open corner of the apparatus bay instead of in a small room will allow for fire suppression system education
NFPA 1583 Standard for Health-RelatedFitnessPrograms forFireDepartmentMembers outlines a complete healthrelated fitness program for members involved in emergency operations to reduce the risk of injury, disease, and premature death. The six best exercises to prepare firefighters to perform their jobs effectively are: CARDIO, DEADLIFTS, SLED DRAGS AND PUSHES, UPPER BODY EXERCISES, CORE AND BACK EXERCISES, AND LEG EXERCISES
These exercises can be accommodated in a welldesigned fitness room on-site with the appropriate fitness equipment. Cross-fit style training can be incorporated by extending the fitness room to a lawn area just outside the fitness room accessed via a roll-up garage-style door.
Important fitness room design considerations include locating the fitness room with line-of-sight windows adjacent to other active spaces or corridors within the station to allow for others to quickly notice a firefighter in distress within the room. Additionally, access to natural light, adequate ventilation, proper floor finishes, hydration and bottle fill stations, CCTVs, AEDs and plenty of electrical outlets are a must.
FITNESS WELLNESS
Wellness encompasses a wide variety of topics, each just as important as physical training and includes education for nutrition, behavioral and mental health, cancer prevention and much more. It’s an overall state of well-being that should be actively incorporated into your training plans.
Having appropriately designed kitchens allows you to teach and implement nutrition plans. And designing decompression rooms for firefighters returning from traumatic scenes are critical to their overall health and wellness.
These decompression rooms can also serve as a mother’s room for expectant or nursing mothers These spaces should be designed with a lockable door, adjustable lighting, an undercounter refrigerator and handwash sink, and comfortable seating to provide a relaxed atmosphere.
EVERY PROJECT SHOULD BE DONE WITH TRAINING IN MIND. THE ONLY LIMITATIONS ARE YOUR OWN CREATIVITY AND THE BUDGET. WORK CLOSELY WITH YOUR ARCHITECT TO KEEP THOSE LIMITATIONS, WELL, LIMITED.
NAMPA STATION 6 NAMPA, ID
RICE FERGUS MILLER ARCHITECTS
SUSTAINABILITY
GETTING SUED OVER INJURY OR ILLNESS HAS FINANCIAL AND MORAL CONSEQUENCES; HERE’S HOW STATION DESIGN CAN KEEP YOU OUT OF COURT
Understanding your fire station's
By
In big-city career departments and small-town volunteer departments, the fire station is a home away from home. In the best of circumstances, the firehouse is clean, safe and outfitted with up-to-date equipment.
Unfortunately, that is often not always the case. According to NFPA, in 2020 there were an estimated 21,710 fire stations in the U.S. that were at least 40 years old. It is safe to say these stations do not meet modern criteria for firefighter health and safety.
Robert Mitchell, Principal Architect, Wendel/Mitchell Associates Architects
WHEN A FIRE STATION DOESN'T MEASURE UP, PRESENTING UNSAFE AND UNHEALTHY CONDITIONS, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE HARM THAT COMES TO THE FIREFIGHTERS AND TO THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO VISIT?
There are some basic questions about liability a department must address. These include who can sue, under what circumstances could a department or municipality be liable, how can improving conditions at the station increase safety and reduce liability, and how can you use potential liability to influence decision-makers to do the right thing?
SO, WHO CAN SUE?
This is not an easy question because most often the answer is, “it depends.” The public can sue for trips, falls, and injuries due to inappropriate care. Firefighters can sue their employers for harassment and discrimination, which make up 70% of firefighter lawsuits.
FIREFIGHTERS TYPICALLY CANNOT SUE FOR INJURIES.
Historically, any worker who was routinely exposed
to risk as part of their occupation was thought to understand the risks involved and accept personal responsibility. In the fire service, this was known as “the firemen’s rule.” In order to better protect workers, Workers’ Compensation was instituted in the early 1900s and has since become the go-to solution.
for unsafe conditions at the station?
To answer this, we must examine what standards and regulations address safety. Let’s start at the federal level with OSHA.
The regulations provide for safety in the workplace for private employers. What about public employers
HISTORICALLY, ANY WORKER WHO WAS ROUTINELY EXPOSED TO RISK AS PART OF THEIR OCCUPATION WAS THOUGHT TO UNDERSTAND THE RISKS INVOLVED AND ACCEPT PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY. IN THE FIRE SERVICE, THIS WAS KNOWN AS
“ THE FIREMEN ’ S RULE . ”
That said, there are circumstances when the fire department or municipality is liable for firefighter injury and harm. Firefighters may be able to sue when the injury is caused by a violation of a statute or law, such as a building code or labor law violation.
One example is when stair lighting is deficient, or gear is stored on the apparatus bay floor, creating trip hazards. In one case, a known, unrepaired break in the apron resulted in a city paying $1.5 million to an injured firefighter.
Under what circumstances could a department or municipality be liable
such as states, cities, towns, and fire departments? In many cases, the federal rules don’t directly apply.
To make up for this, more than 25 states have state-level OSHA plans
21,710 AT LEAST IN 2020 THERE WERE AN ESTIMATED FIRE STATIONS IN THE U.S. THAT WERE 40years old
that equal or exceed the federal standards.
OSHA REQUIRES THAT EMPLOYERS FURNISH A PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT THAT IS FREE FROM RECOGNIZED HAZARDS.
In addition, most states have laws that require an employer to provide a safe working environment. New York State has laws that expressly provide fire and police with “right of action” if injuries are the result of failure to comply with federal, state, or local laws. Check your own state’s laws.
Other areas of responsibility include NFPA standards for a safe workplace, cleaning, ventilation and storage, state-level presumptive laws addressing exposure to carcinogens, and building code requirements. Fire stations fall under the Risk IV Category of the International Building Codes and must have exit pathways free from obstacles and clutter.
(Do you have anything on the apparatus bay floor except tires and feet, or are you storing gear on the floor for want of adequate storage space?)
How can improving conditions at the station increase safety and reduce liability?
In 2022, NFPA estimated that 23% of all injuries occurring during on-duty activities did not occur during responses or training.
THAT’S MORE THAN 14,000 INJURIES OCCURRING WHILE SIMPLY BEING AT THE FIREHOUSE.
In addition to trips and falls, firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being
diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population, according to the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety.
Fire departments can take action. Knowing what steps to take requires a point-by-point analysis of your station. Consider what you can readily change, and what changes would require funding.
9 % 14 % firefighters have a +
HIGHER
Exhaust capture, adequate workspace, clear of clutter, and slip-resistant floor finish
STATION ANALYSIS CONSIDERATIONS
Lighting, handrails, and fire poles that lack a safe approach
Exposure to contaminants and proper decon area
Safe passage, ventilation, separation of administrative and living spaces
Sleep deprivation due to light and noise, hearing loss, SCBA fill location, and behavioral health supports
Here is a brief list of factors to consider:
SUCCESS IS MORE LIKELY WHEN YOU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND MAKE YOUR REQUESTS AND COMPLAINTS IN WRITING.
HOW CAN YOU USE POTENTIAL LIABILITY TO INFLUENCE DECISION -MAKERS TO DO THE RIGHT THING?
Keep in mind that legal action takes time and money from all involved and should be the last resort. When it comes to finding the dollars needed to make improvements, it’s best to work with your department and municipality.
Success is more likely when you know your rights and make your requests and complaints in writing.
IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO TALK ABOUT COST.
Poor building conditions impact recruitment and retention. Construction delays incur escalated costs. Workers’ Compensation claims cost employers money.
THE SAFER THE STATION, THE FEWER THE CLAIMS.
Think beyond the committee.
Engage and inform firefighters, their families, the community, and the media.
LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE ASKING FOR THE “NUTS AND BOLTS” IT TAKES FOR A SAFE AND HEALTHY STATION, NOT THE “BELLS AND WHISTLES” OF A SHOW PONY.
Remember, there is no easy path through liability. Yet, knowing about liability and your rights can help you influence decision-makers and the public to make better and safer decisions about conditions at your station.
When you are informed, you can inform.
ALERTING OPTIONS ALERTING OPTIONS
FOR BETTER FIREFIGHTER HEALTH
By Blake Richardson, CEO, EaseAlert
HOW FIREFIGHTERS ARE TONED OUT CAN HAVE SIGNIFICANT LONG-TERM HEALTH IMPLICATIONS; HERE’S HOW TO IMPROVE ALERTING WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
Historically, fire stations have used high-decibel, sudden alarms to ensure immediate alertness and quick mobilization.
HOWEVER, STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT SUCH SUDDEN ALARMS CAN CAUSE SIGNIFICANT PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES.
For instance, a study by Kales et al. done in 2007 found that firefighters are up to 14 times more likely to suffer coronary heart disease events during alarm response compared to non-emergency duties.
Recognizing these concerns, fire departments are adopting alerting
methods that balance urgency with firefighter health.
There are three broad types of fire station alerting systems based on what senses they target. Those are auditory, visual and tactile.
There are health and wellness considerations with each system. Sudden alarms can lead to elevated cortisol levels, increased heart rates, and long-term sleep disturbances. Poor sleep and chronic stress can contribute to higher rates of cardiovascular disease among firefighters.
By integrating systems that reduce alarm shock — such as ramp-up auditory tones, tactile alerts, and visual notifications — departments can help mitigate these risks while maintaining rapid response efficiency.
THE EVOLUTION OF FIRE STATION ALERTING IS SHIFTING TOWARD A FIREFIGHTER-CENTERED APPROACH, RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF BOTH EFFICIENCY AND WELLNESS.
While traditional auditory alarms remain a crucial part of emergency notification, incorporating visual and tactile systems can significantly reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall health.
TRADITIONAL
Uses tones, bells, or voice dispatch notifications broadcasted throughout the station.
ADVANTAGES:
• They are effective for immediate response, even in large stations.
• They are customizable with rampup tones to reduce sudden shocks.
• They are easily integrated with existing radio and dispatch systems.
DRAWBACKS:
• Loud alarms induce a startle response, which increases stress and heart rate.
• Prolonged exposure to high-decibel tones may lead to hearing loss over time.
VISUAL ALERTING TACTILE ALERTING
Uses flashing lights, colored indicators, or digital message boards to notify firefighters of calls.
ADVANTAGES:
• These are useful in noisy environments where auditory signals may be less effective.
• They reduce reliance on loud sounds, minimizing those negative effects and can be color-coded to differentiate call types or urgency levels.
DRAWBACKS:
• They are less effective in waking firefighters who are asleep in darkened bunkrooms.
• They require strategic placement throughout the station for visibility.
Uses vibration-based notifications to signal emergency calls, typically through wearable devices or mattress-mounted vibration pads.
ADVANTAGES:
• These reduce the startle response compared to loud auditory alarms. They are less intrusive, allowing for more natural and less stressful awakenings.
• They are effective for individual notification without disturbing the entire station.
DRAWBACKS:
• They require additional equipment for each firefighter, adding costs and logistical planning.
• They may need redundancy with auditory or visual alerts for full effectiveness.
ALERTING SYSTEM COSTS
< $10,000 PER STATION
• DAYTIME/NIGHTTIME MODES: Manual switches allow staff to control when loud alarms activate, reducing nighttime disturbances
• RELAY-ACTIVATED RED LIGHTS: Red lighting can be used to signal emergencies at night without the shock of sudden brightness
• SEPARATED SLEEPING AREAS: Simple station layout adjustments can reduce sleep interruptions for firefighters not responding to a call
COSTS
Fire departments can implement alerting solutions that improve response times while reducing stress and sleep disruption, tailored to various budget levels. Here’s what you can get for your money.
• TACTILE ALERTS: Vibration-based wearable devices or bed shakers provide a less intrusive wake-up method
• PRE-ALERT BUTTON: Allows firefighters to begin mobilizing before full alarm activation, reducing response times
• DISPLAY BOARDS & MOBILE APPS: These tools provide real-time dispatch details and size-up information, improving situational awareness
> $50,000 PER STATION
• INDIVIDUAL BUNK ROOMS: Separate sleeping spaces reduce sleep disruptions and improve firefighter recovery
• ZONED SPEAKER SYSTEMS: Alerts are only broadcasted to the rooms of assigned personnel, preventing unnecessary wake-ups
• BUNK ROOM CONTROLLERS: Dynamic unit assignment allows shift-to-shift flexibility in alerting configurations
• DISPATCH CONSOLE INTEGRATION: Advanced station alerting solutions provide faster, more detailed emergency notifications and improve coordination with dispatchers
FULSHEAR SIMONTON CENTRAL STATION TOWN OF FULSHEAR, TX
BRW ARCHITECTS
EVICT VOCs from your new firehouse
Volatile organic compounds are toxic indoor air pollutants; here’s how to keep them out of your next station
By Lindsey Kiefer, Associate Architect, MW Studios. All photos provided by the author.
Fire stations are among the highest-performing investments in any municipality’s building portfolio. The materials selected for interior spaces play a critical role in creating a safe, durable, and supportive environment. And selecting materials with little or no volatile organic compounds is an important way to support first responder health and safety.
VOCs are chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Common sources include paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, flooring materials, wall coverings, and furniture.
When released into the air — or off-gassed — VOCs can compromise indoor air quality. Some VOCs, like formaldehyde, are known carcinogens,
while others can trigger headaches, dizziness, respiratory irritation, and long-term health issues
Indoor air quality is a critical consideration in fire station design, particularly because first responders already face heightened exposure to carcinogens and airborne toxins in the field. When firefighters return from emergency calls, they bring contaminants on their equipment and clothing — even after decontamination efforts. Building materials, furnishings, and finishes within the station that also emit harmful VOCs compounds firefighters’ daily exposure and further increases the risk of long-term illness, including cancer.
Prioritizing low- or no-VOC materials, proper ventilation, and spatial separation between contaminated and clean zones will help protect their health and reduce cumulative exposure to dangerous substances.
A fire station should serve as a place of recovery, not an additional source of occupational hazard. " "
Material off-gassing timelines vary significantly based on the type of material, product composition, installation method, ventilation, and ambient conditions like temperature and humidity. Some materials may off-gas for just a few weeks, but others, such as materials with synthetic backing adhesives, can off-gas for years.
When selecting interior materials, look for third-party certifications that verify low chemical emissions and align with sustainable building certification standards if such certifications are a regional project requirement. Sustainability standards often emphasize indoor environmental quality and the use of low-emitting materials.
Key certifications include UL’s GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD Gold, which indicate that products meet stringent standards for indoor air quality and are appropriate for use in sensitive settings. FloorScore certifies flooring materials that meet VOC emission limits. Green Seal covers paints, coatings, and cleaning products that are both environmentally responsible and low-emitting.
Declare labels and Health Product Declarations offer transparency into a product’s chemical makeup, supporting material ingredient reporting credits. SCS Indoor Advantage Gold certifies furniture and other interior products for low emissions.
To further reduce on-site emissions, designers and departments should prioritize prefinished materials that do not require additional sealing or coating during installation, as these processes often release high levels of VOCs. It’s equally important to verify that low-VOC adhesives and sealants are used during installation — not just that the finished materials themselves are low-emitting.
Beyond air quality considerations, durability and ease of cleaning are essential, particularly in high-traffic, high-demand spaces like kitchens, apparatus bays, and corridors, where materials must withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning without degrading or contributing to indoor pollution.
Durability and safety cannot be separated in the fire station. Firefighters depend on their environment to support them, not to introduce new hazards. Fortunately, the market now offers a wide range of high-performance, low-emission materials that can withstand station life.
Achieve safety and durability
TEST FLOORING FOR SLIP RESISTANCE AND STAIN RESISTANCE BEFORE SPECIFYING
SPECIFY MOCK-UP INSTALLATIONS TO EVALUATE MATERIAL PERFORMANCE, FINISH QUALITY, AND OFF-GASSING IN REAL-WORLD CONDITIONS BEFORE FULL INSTALLATION
PRIORITIZE LIFECYCLE COSTING OVER FIRST COST — LOW-VOC DURABLE MATERIALS MAY REDUCE LONGTERM MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT COSTS
CHANGES ROLLING WITH THE
NEW VOLUNTEER FIRE STATIONS MUST BE BUILT WITH AN EYE TO THE FLUID, CHANGING TIMES FACING THE VOLUNTEER FIRE SERVICE
By Dennis Ross, Practice Leader, H2M Architects + Engineers
TO BORROW A LINE FROM BOB DYLAN: “THE TIMES, THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’.” FOR THE FIRE SERVICE, THIS PARADIGM OF TRANSFORMATION IS NOT A NEW PHENOMENON. SOME DEPARTMENTS HAVE WILLINGLY EMBRACED CHANGE, WHILE OTHERS HAVE RESISTED. BUT DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN EVOLVING SINCE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FOUNDED THE FIRST VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY IN 1736.
CHANGE WILL HAPPEN, AS IT ALWAYS HAS.
A significant change is that fire department volunteerism is in decline. According to the National Volunteer Fire Council, while the majority of departments and firefighters in the United States are still volunteer, the number of volunteers has declined more than 24% since 1984.
The lack of volunteers has prompted many departments to seriously consider how station design must respond to or, better yet, transform future realities.
Many departments anticipate a change or are actively transitioning to hybrid volunteer–paid models. There’s a
steady trend of incorporating spaces for paid station keepers, drivers, and overnight or day crews, even if no such positions currently exist.
Volunteer departments are thinking about station layouts with an emphasis on efficient, safe responses from within the facility, integrated training, operational segregation, and a more visible presence in the community. Concepts like flexibility, transition, gender equity, sustainability, protection from contamination, recruitment, training, public interaction, perpetual funding starvation, doing more with less, and 10-year forecasts are becoming more critical than the number of apparatus bays.
THE STATION ITSELF IS A SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF THE PUZZLE FOR ATTRACTING AND KEEPING VOLUNTEERS. AREAS FOR VOLUNTEERS TO SOCIALIZE, EXERCISE, AND RELAX ARE COMMONPLACE BUT INSUFFICIENT.
New thinking embraces the entire facility as one integrated tool for recruitment and retention. If the building is inviting, radiates professionalism, addresses relevant needs, keeps health and well-being as paramount goals, functions well for response and training, simplifies tasks, provides resources, and is technologically advanced and responsive to the community, then it can be successful.
Today’s designs need to consider uses that many volunteer stations have not seen before: bunks for overnight duty shifts, study rooms for college students, or multipurpose offices where telecommuters can work and still staff the station. College bunker programs, wherein students can get a free room at the station in exchange for volunteering, are becoming popular.
In communities where apartments are unavailable or unaffordable, designs may include efficiency apartments, simultaneously providing manpower for rapid response while filling community needs. For selfemployed volunteers, business spaces such as teleconference-
equipped boardrooms and computer work areas can be attractive.
Facilities that allow organized family and public activities foster greater in-station presence and recruitment possibilities. Stations that meet specific community needs attract more potential volunteers.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN HAS BECOME THE NORM. THIS MEANS USING BOTH NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL LIGHT, TEXTURES, COLORS, ACOUSTICS, AND MATERIALS TO CREATE SOOTHING SPACES AND CALMING ATMOSPHERES
AFTER A DIFFICULT RESPONSE. OUTDOOR RELAXATION AND RECOVERY SPACES ARE ALSO VERY POPULAR.
Another trend leans toward technology and mobile access. Wi-Fi is more important than a library, and smartphone access to response call information is more valuable than showing up at the station to see who else will arrive.
Taken a step further, expect to see artificial intelligence alert responders if their bodily functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, or breathing, are out of sync. AI may also warn responders to not enter green zones if it detects carcinogens on the clothing or body.
As emergencies and response technology become more complicated, training regimens need to keep up. In terms of station design, this becomes
a need for flexible spaces that can accommodate changing mandates, classroom space for basic and advanced techniques, and gathering areas that promote camaraderie.
Incorporating convenient on-site and in-house active training components has become essential as family, work, and other commitments strain volunteerism. Integrated training regimens, confined space elements, bailout windows, simulated standpipes, rappelling walls, and exposed sprinkler risers are all examples of using the facility to enhance training. While there are some initial costs for including these components in the design, progressive departments recognize the advantages of making training local and convenient.
DESIGNING FOR TOMORROW’S NEEDS WITH TODAY’S BUDGET IS CHALLENGING. THE TREND IS TO ENABLE FUTURE FLEXIBILITY.
For example, while many volunteers need bunks for overnight stays during storms, power outages, or other specific events, 24/7 use is not typical. Many volunteer departments cannot afford the additional square footage that dedicated bunks require. A more efficient solution can involve expanding a classroom by several feet to incorporate banks of folddown beds for standby emergencies.
We are seeing more LEED-compatible, all-electric, and net-zero facilities. When balancing funding for a project, sustainability, high levels of insulation, energy efficiency, and proven off-the-shelf systems have long-term energy savings.
Many departments are embracing the ideas behind LEED but are not pursuing the certification process. They are not convinced the cost of certification or commissioning of less common energy systems, such as geothermal heating, are worth the initial price when fighting for desperately needed square footage.
THE DESIGNS OF VOLUNTEER, PAID, AND COMBINATION STATIONS ARE CONVERGING. EACH REQUIRES FLEXIBILITY NOW AND INTO THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
They must incorporate the latest technology, active and classroom training, gender equity, protections from contamination, spaces designed for health and well-being, sustainability, and a lifespan lasting 50-plus years.
ULTIMATELY, THE SINGLE GREATEST TREND WE SEE IS DEPARTMENTS AND THEIR ARCHITECTS ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN SHAPING THE COMING TRANSFORMATION RATHER THAN SIMPLY BEING CARRIED ALONG BY IT. AFTER ALL, “THE TIMES, THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’.”
TUCSON STATION 8
TUCSON, AZ
PERLMAN ARCHITECTS
UNPACKING NFPA 1585 ON
CONTROLLINGCONTAMINATION
By Ken Gale, Associate AIA, NCARB, Emergency Services Market Leader for Wendel/Mitchell Associates Architects
In April 2024, the NFPA Standards Council issued the long-awaited NFPA 1585 Standard for Exposure and Contamination Control after a comprehensive consolidation and coordination process with other NFPA standards. The 1585 Technical Committee was formed in 2019 and worked through the pandemic and into August 2023 to present the second draft for public comments, with final ballot voting in November 2023.
The work on 1585 had been complicated by the parallel work of the NFPA Emergency Response & Responder Safety (ERRS) Consolidation Project. This process included 111 NFPA standards that cover everything from operational
concerns, professional qualifications for responders, and the care, selection, and maintenance of PPE. The results, when complete, will be the overhaul of 22 individual standards and the consolidation of 89 individual standards into 27 new NFPA standards.
NFPA 1585 AIMS TO ENHANCE FIREFIGHTER SAFETY BY CONSOLIDATING BEST PRACTICES FROM EXISTING NFPA STANDARDS INTO ONE COMPREHENSIVE DOCUMENT.
It is a significant step forward in addressing contamination risks in
OVERALL NUMBER OF STANDARDS STANDARDS TO REMAIN "SINGULAR" STANDARDS TO BE CONSOLIDATED RESULTING STANDARDS AFTER CONSOLIDATION RESULTING NUMBER OF NEW STANDARDS - 111 - 22 - 89 - 27 - 49
THE REVISED NFPA STANDARD LAYS OUT BEST PRACTICES FOR FIRE STATIONS DESIGNED TO KEEP CONTAMINATION WHERE IT BELONGS
emergency services and provides the groundwork to decrease the cancer rates for first responders. As stated in the preface of this new standard, NFPA 1585 “is the first NFPA document to address minimum requirements for limiting emergency responders’ exposure to fireground contaminants and controlling those contaminants in the emergency responders’ workplace.”
The standard is broken into nine chapters.
We will focus on Chapter Five: Fire and Emergency Services Organization (ESO) Facilities, as it directly ties into the requirements of your facility.
CHAPTER 5 STATES THAT THE ESO SHALL HAVE AN ECCP IN PLACE THAT INCLUDES EACH OF THE FOLLOWING THREE COMPONENTS:
1 Protect the public and personnel from contamination
2 Designate red, yellow, and green areas in the ESO facility
3 Identify, clean and maintain all areas within the ESO facility
The requirement to protect the public and personnel puts the responsibility on the ESO to assure their fire station architect is designing the facility with control zones that prevent or minimize the spread of contaminants and promote facility cleaning and decontamination. Handwashing stations, spaces that minimize contact with surfaces, easy-to-clean walls and floors should all be included in the facility design.
All ESO facility designs shall designate areas of contamination (red area), transition (yellow area), and clean spaces (green area). The concept of hot and cold zones has been around for quite awhile. The recent changes within the NFPA Standards Committees call for the terms hot, warm and cold zones to be specifically for hazardous conditions at the fire scene and not within an ESO facility. This change of how to use red, yellow and green is beginning to take hold, but is not quite there yet.
Restroom and shower facilities shall be available for use prior to entering a green area. All designated areas shall have an isolated heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. This is an area often overlooked or poorly designed in some new fire stations. The requirements for dedicated systems are at times not addressed in new station design. Contaminated air ducts are sometimes passed from a higher-risk zone through a lower-risk
zone, which is defeating the purpose of requiring an isolated system.
The identifying, cleaning, and maintaining section discusses tasks and requirements for red, yellow, and green areas.
It says the red areas shall be cleaned or sanitized after each use and shall have restricted public access until the area is cleaned or sanitized. It also says to perform gross decontamination outside of the ESO facility whenever possible.
It says the yellow areas are transition zones used to help remove or reduce contamination and are to be located wherever a red area has egress toward a green area. Yellow areas shall have a shower and a changing room.
“GREEN AREAS SHALL REMAIN FREE FROM CONTAMINATION” IS WRITTEN INTO THIS NEW STANDARD. THIS CAN BE CONSIDERED A LOFTY GOAL TO MAINTAIN, BUT IT IS ESSENTIAL.
A contamination-free green area is a wonderful concept if maintainable. The architects and engineers on the project could certainly develop a design that complies with this intent and the ESO can include the language necessary to maintain this in their ECCP documents. What is left to pay attention to is the daily use of the
facility and cross-contamination occurrences that may happen in the days, weeks, and months after the station is opened. Things as simple as failing to close the door or maintain the door’s weather seal can lead to cross contamination.
THERE ARE MORE ESO FACILITY AND PPE IN-STATION STANDARDS WITHIN THE FOLLOWING NFPA STANDARDS:
• NFPA 1550 – Standard for Emergency Responder Health & Safety
• NFPA 1851 – Standard on Selection, Care, and Maintenance of Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting
The 1550 was issued in December 2023, had an effective date of Jan. 10, 2024, and is a consolidation of former NFPA Standards 1500, 1521, and 1561. NFPA 1851 is part of the ERRS 2025 annual revision cycle and will be soon merged with the 1852 into new NFPA 1850, which will be entitled Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural and Proximity Fire Fighting and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
Take the time to review these current and developing standards and get involved in the public comment period when it opens for the forthcoming 1850.
MEETING THE GOALS OF THE NFPA 1585
FREE DESIGN ASSISTANCE
Diesel Exhaust:
Fighting Cancer in the Apparatus Bay
By Patrick Stone, Director Public Safety Marketing, H2M Architects + Engineers
Since 1970, when the United States passed the Clean Air Act and created the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce it, significant research has been performed on indoor air quality.
In 1988, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued Current Intelligence Bulletin 50. This document described the workplace hazards presented by diesel engine emissions and studies confirmed the potential carcinogenicity of whole diesel exhaust.
MORE THAN 35 YEARS LATER, CANCER AND RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES CONTINUE TO BE AN ISSUE DUE TO THE HAZARDS OF PARTICULATES AND GASES FROM THE DIESEL EMISSIONS.
The National Fire Protection Association made this a top priority in NFPA 1500, which says, “The fire department shall prevent
exposure to firefighters and contamination of living and sleeping areas by exhaust emissions.”
To counteract the transmission of these hazards, emergency response architects and engineers have started rethinking common practices and operating procedures for their clients through improving building layouts and design. The floor plan, materials and building systems can all have a significant impact on mitigating cross contamination and providing protection from carcinogens.
There are some incorrect assumptions about diesel exhaust safety. One is that opening the overhead doors before starting the apparatus will allow enough air flow to clear out the diesel exhaust. Another is that diesel particulate filters are sufficient to make it safe to be close to the exhaust.
It’s dangerous to misunderstand what the industry has done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Technological advances have helped reduce air pollution. However, when it comes to the atmosphere within the station, diesel exhaust is still dangerous and requires additional engineering and systems to clean the air.
THERE ARE THREE BASIC TYPES OF VEHICLE EXHAUST EXTRACTION SYSTEMS, EACH UNIQUE IN ITS OWN WAY. AS ONE WOULD EXPECT, EACH HAS PROS AND CONS REGARDING EXHAUST CAPTURE, TREATMENT AND FILTRATION.
When considering each of these options, it is important to assess responder safety (moving parts and reliability of staff to follow protocols), system cost (initial purchase vs. maintenance costs), and building configuration (new construction vs. retrofit). Every station is unique and will present different sets of challenges.
Direct Source Capture SystemS Hose
This system uses a hose to capture the diesel fumes directly from the apparatus exhaust pipe. The diesel exhaust does not enter the building’s atmosphere as it is redirected to the exterior. The exhaust is removed from the building entirely via hoses, a network of ductwork, and exhaust fans. These systems can be designed for all apparatus, large and small, with various tailpipe locations.
When the hose is attached to the tailpipe and the vehicle is started, the system is triggered. It runs for a pre-set amount of time, including once the hose is disengaged to ensure all remaining particulates and exhaust have been removed from the hose and ductwork prior to shutting down. The hose is attached to the exhaust pipe using magnetic grabbers and anchor plates.
Vehicle Mounted
With this system, the exhaust is filtered at the vehicle and then released into the building’s atmosphere. This filtration takes place directly on the apparatus within a special filtration chamber along the vehicle’s exhaust system. The byproduct of the filtered exhaust reduces the hazards to an acceptable level for breathing within the space.
These systems are not just being used when entering and exiting the station, but even onscene. During fire operations, responders are often subjected to prolonged exposure to diesel exhaust. These systems can provide safer on-scene conditions, which aligns with many other current trends and initiatives to prevent cross-contamination on scene.
ROSLYN RESCUE FIRE DEPARTMENT
BETHEL PARK VFC
Photo by H2M architects + engineers
Photo by David R. Miller
Building Space Filtration
These systems are typically ceiling units that have a fan to force air through a series of filters, effectively scrubbing the air clean of diesel particulates and absorbing other harmful exhaust components. These systems are automatic,
self-contained and operate without hoses.
They have also been adapted to address additional concerns such as airborne viruses and bacteria. This has become a huge benefit, especially in EMS stations.
With the list of contaminants and dangers within the station ever growing, this is a great option to consider.
Additionally, the filters are scrubbing smaller gasoline engine emissions from saws, small generators, gas-
powered lights, and chief buggies. While these small engines should be exercised outside the station, they often end up being run within or adjacent to the apparatus bay as a convenience. Space filtration systems will help reduce this exhaust.
NONE OF THESE IS A “ONE SIZE FITS ALL” SOLUTION.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF TO DO MORE THAN THE MINIMUM. ONE OPTION TO CONSIDER IS SYSTEM REDUNDANCY. AN APPROPRIATE COMBINATION OF SYSTEMS OR ADDITIONAL VENTILATION AND EXHAUST WILL PROVIDE THE SAFEST CONDITIONS.
An example of redundancy would be a direct source capture system coupled with building space filtration. If a hose is left unconnected, or apparatus backed into a station without connecting, the building space filtration would provide coverage.
One might ask about the cost implication of employing redundant systems. Stakeholders will need to focus on the core values of the department. Identify and understand needs vs. wants, and if cancer prevention, decontamination, and prevention of cross contamination are determined to be high priority, allocate budget accordingly.
Photo by Cory Klein Photography
2024 AWARD WINNERS
Each year F.I.E.R.O sponsors a new station design contest. We rely on a unique group of passionate jurors to select the winners. Each juror is a current or retired fire service member with a degree in architecture. To remain as unbiased as possible, none of our jurors can be employed by an architectural firm. Here are this year's winners.
ROBERT TUTTEROW, F.I.E.R.O PRESIDENT.
The modern biophilic design of this station provides a commitment to the well-being of the personnel and provides civic pride in a rapidly developing urban core. The floor plan is functional, efficient, and flows cleanly to the apparatus bay. Interior finishes are durable, yet aesthetically pleasing. This station will meet the needs of the firefighters and the community for a very long time.
HONOR MARION STATION 1, MARION, IA
This is an amazing commitment by the Richmond Fire Department and the City of Richmond to revitalize a community by remaining on a difficult site and inviting the community to be included in the project.
This was an outstanding renovation incorporating their 21st century program into a 19th century designed landmarked fire station. It maintained the historic character and details of the 1903 neighborhood firehouse.
This is a very good regional design that identifies itself as a fire station with a clean and straightforward floor plan that efficiently flows to the apparatus bays.
This is another fine example of the City of Seattle’s commitment to its fire department. Every SFD station is unique, yet repeats development standards. The result is another aesthetically pleasing response to a complicated program.
This is a great example of context design that addresses the separate yet equally important needs of the city, the fire department, and the community. The subtle aesthetic incorporating palo verde green with the fire engine red bay doors and signage clearly identify this as an Arizona firehouse.
This is a good combination of community-driven contextual design and functional architecture.
MERIT
FDNY ENGINE CO. 224, NEW YORK CITY, NY
RICHMOND STATION 12, RICHMOND, VA
GOODYEAR STATION 188, GOODYEAR, AZ
SEATTLE STATION 22, SEATTLE, WA
MERIT
MERIT NAMPA STATION 6, NAMPA, ID
SOUTH METRO STATION 20, HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO
This is a great community centerpiece for public safety that also provides a means for revenue generation to fund response operations and logistics.
Here is another good example of the southwest design aesthetic being applied to a fire station that will serve the community for many years to come.
RECOGNITION ASHEVILLE STATION 13, ASHEVILLE, NC
This is an efficient multi-disciplined public safety facility that makes good use of a difficult site with emphasis on fitting into the community.
Here is a strong example of context design that the equestrian community required. The architects provided functional floor plan for the Milton Fire Department resulting in a solid win for the community.
This is a large facility that has a residential feel and a commitment to firefighter health and wellness.
RECOGNITION
FULSHEAR SIMONTON CENTRAL STATION, TOWN OF FULSHEAR, TX
This is a good use of textures and linear lines to foster interest in a large facility that creates a lot of civic presence.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP STATION 41, CENTERVILLE, OH
MERIT
MERIT TUCSON STATION 8, TUCSON, AZ
MERIT
MERIT MASSAPEQUA PARKHOUSE, MASSAPEQUA, NY
MILTON STATION 42, MILTON, GA
RECOGNITION PROSPER CENTRAL STATION & ADMINISTRATION, TOWN OF PROSPER, TX
This is a good use of stone, steel, and wood to create an attractive facility that identifies itself as a fire facility.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
This fire station is the first to incorporate biophilic design, where the form follows function. The elegant architecture and ergonomic materials and finishes complete this fantastic fire station design.
INNOVATION UPPER PINE RIVER STATION 61, BAYFIELD, CO
Here is an innovative solution to a vexing problem common to many isolated rural communities that require a multi-disciplined emergency response as well as urgent medical care.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
This is a good combination of community-driven contextual design and functional architecture.
CONGRATULATIONS TO
MARION STATION 1, MARION, IA
SOUTH METRO STATION 20, HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO
FIRE STATION DESIGN
Craig Carter 217.390.3006 ccarter@bkvgroup.com
MAILING ADDRESS CONTACT INFO
222 North 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55401
As a holistic, multidisciplinary firm, our responsibility is to enhance the economic, aesthetic, social, and environmental contexts of the communities we shape and design.
Hannah Stewart 631.756.8000 ext.1134
HStewart@H2M.com
MAILING ADDRESS CONTACT INFO
538 Broad Hollow Road, 4th Floor East, Melville, NY 11747
H2M architects + engineers is a multidisciplinary professional consulting and design firm. Our team of industry leaders have completed hundreds of emergency services and public safety projects with proven track record of success.
11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 16, Reston, VA 20190
FGMA specializes in the design and construction of fire and EMS facilities, including fire stations and training centers, with a focus on functionality, safety, and efficiency while prioritizing the safety and well-being of first responders.
Jamie Little 346.464.8050 jlittle@rescueintellitech.com
MAILING ADDRESS CONTACT INFO
7215 Gateway Ct. Manassas, VA 20109
RESCUE Intellitech offers innovative solutions to help firefighters fight cancer. The Solo Rescue® cleans SCBAs, helmets, boots, gloves and tools, reducing cancer risks by decontaminating protective gear from hazardous chemicals and carcinogenic contamination.
Erin Hatch
360.377.8773
ehatch@rfmarch.com
MAILING ADDRESS CONTACT INFO
275 Fifth St, Suite 100, Bremerton WA 98337
Rice Fergus Miller (RFM) is an architecture, interior design, and planning firm in Bremerton, WA. With four decades of experience and a 60-person team, RFM designs public safety projects that prioritize sustainability, wellness, and adaptability.
CONTACT INFO
Sarah Hager
864.232.8200
shager@dp3architects.com
MAILING ADDRESS
15 South Main St Suite 400 Greenville, SC 29601
DP3 Architects designs facilities that are a reflection of each unique community and crew. We use our expertise to create spaces that are designed for maximum efficiency and comfortable living environments.
Lynn Reda
704.525.6350
lynn.reda@littleonline.com
MAILING ADDRESS CONTACT INFO
615 S. College Street, Suite 1600, Charlotte, NC 28202
Little is a national design firm blending architecture, engineering, and planning to elevate performance. We create purposeful, sustainable spaces that empower communities, with proven expertise in designing innovative, resilient fire stations.
Timothy Bement 937.836.8898
tim.bement@app-arch.com
MAILING ADDRESS CONTACT INFO
615 Woodside Drive, Englewood, OH 45322
CONTACT INFO
Blake Richardson
904.206.9834
blake@easealert.com
MAILING ADDRESS
12345 Starkey Road, Suite A, Largo, FL 33773
App Architecture specializes in fire/EMS station design. Design Principal Timothy Bement has over 25 years of experience in the design and construction of these facilities and leads a highly experienced design team for every project.
EaseAlert is a full-suite fire station alerting system that improves health and efficiency by delivering tactile and visual alerts directly to responders. Turnout faster, more focused, and ready to work with less strain on your body.
Robert Krzyzanowski
715.832.4848
rkrzyzanowski@wendelcompanies.com
MAILING ADDRESS CONTACT INFO
204 E. Grand Avenue, Suite 200, Eau Claire, WI 54701
Collaborative, client-driven, and community focused. Wendel is home to Five Bugles Design, based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Mitchell Associates, located twenty minutes outside of Albany, New York. Together, the firms have a matchless, industry-leading portfolio of award-winning, research-based, innovative facilities.
Robert Tutterow
704.0576.1386
Robert@fieroonline.org
MAILING ADDRESS CONTACT INFO
1029 Lansdowne Road. Charlotte, NC 28270
F.I.E.R.O. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational information to aid in the health and safety of firefighters. Primarily, we focus on fire station design and PPE.
Wendel’s award winning public safety design team
CONTACT INFO
K. Dee Howard
416.476.7301
dee@sootsoap.ca
MAILING ADDRESS
31 College Street, Port Hope, ON L1A 1X7, Canada
CONTACT INFO
Aaron Stewart
800.644.0911
cleanair@plymovent.com
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5 Corporate Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512
CONTACT INFO
Chris Roman
804.794.7555
croman@moseleydesigns.com
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3200 Norfolk Street, Richmond, VA 23230
CONTACT INFO
Ken Powers
480.951.5900
kenp@perlmanaz.com
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2929 N. Central Avenue, Suite 1600 Phoenix, AZ 85012-2727
CONTACT INFO
Jeff Murphy
763.576.8200
sales@wendellsmint.com
MAILING ADDRESS
6601 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Ramsey, MN 55303
SOOTSOAP is an all-natural, industrial strength line of personal decontamination products lab-developed for firefighters.
Proven to eliminate more toxins, SOOTSOAP draws out contaminants and even the worst odors, reducing the risk of exposure.
CONTACT INFO
Ted Galante
617.576.2500
info@galantearchitecture.com
MAILING ADDRESS
146 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138
For nearly 50 years Plymovent has been providing clean air at work and is the world leader in protecting firefighters and emergency responders from the dangers of vehicle exhaust fumes. The design and functionality of the patented Plymovent Magnetic Grabber® system is unparalleled and unmet by any other vehicle exhaust removal system on the market.
Moseley is an interdisciplinary design practice focused on the bedrock institutions and gathering places of communities across the US. Offering architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning services, Moseley transforms communities by creating safe, sustainable, and engaging gathering places.
Our goal is to provide quality designs that balance function, cost & aesthetics while creating an environment that enhances the quality of life for those it serves.
Proudly American and committed to the Fire Service, Wendell's Mint manufactures cost effective, custom-made challenge coins. Not a storefront, not a reseller, we make our products in-house with American labor and American materials.
We are a team of passionate architects, designers, and public safety experts deeply involved in our craft. We are dedicated to keeping our first responders healthy by making safe, durable, and efficient buildings for them.
CONTACT INFO
Alexander Helou
281.800.1023
marketing@martinez-architects.com
MAILING ADDRESS
900 Rockmead, Suite 250, Houston, TX 77339
CONTACT INFO
Bruce Varner
602.448.1161
bruce@bhvarner.com
MAILING ADDRESS
545 Sparkleberry Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
We believe our First Responders deserve to live, work, and train in first-class facilities designed by architects dedicated to improving emergency response time and quality, while protecting their Health, Safety, and Wellness. Martinez Architects strives each and every day to be those architects.
Professionals in the fire service or related disciplines will find that membership in the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) offers a wide range of benefits that can enhance both professional development and long-term career advancement. WWW.IFE-USA.ORG
CONTACT INFO
Megan Kirchner
800.351.2525
info@trainingtowers.com
MAILING ADDRESS
519 Duck Road Grandview, MO 64030
WHP Trainingtowers™ is your turnkey solution for customizable fire training solutions. WHP has 45 years of experience and has completed over 1000 projects. We offer both structural steel tower options and grant eligible modular systems.
CONTACT INFO
Greg Roach
513.489.4440
info@magnegrip.com
MAILING ADDRESS
11449 Deerfield Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45242
CONTACT INFO
Tricia Hock
800.253.2690
totalcare@lionprotects.com
MAILING ADDRESS
7200 Poe Ave, Suite 400, Dayton, OH 45414
MagneGrip is the only company that manufactures both Source-Capture Exhaust Removal Systems and Air Purification Systems. The combination of MagneGrip & AirHAWK provides the most complete protection against any airborne contaminates inside the fire station.
CONTACT INFO
Tom Vitko
800.540.7264
airvacuumcorporation.com
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 517, Dover, NH 03821
LION Safety Solutions, a company of the LION Group, helps fire and safety leaders keep their teams and organizations safe and healthy through advanced cleaning, inspection and repair as well as with training solutions.
AIRVAC 911® constantly monitors and removes hazardous vehicle exhaust from your station. No hoses, building modifications, outside exhausting or vehicle attachments. Automatically protect 100% of your bay area 24/7. NFPA1500/OSHA/GSA compliant. www.airvac911.com
Wendell’s Mint is proud to manufacture high quality American Made challenge coins for the Fire Service community. We are honored to be your partner
Ask yourself...
Does the company charge for artwork?
Does the company charge a premium for multiple painted colors?
Does the company charge a premium for dies based on design complexity?
Does your artwork ever leave the company’s building?
Does the company create the custom design and mint the products in house, or do they outsource to a 3rd party supplier?
Does the company mint the product in the USA, using US workers and US materials?
Does the company competitively price its coins and dies against foreign imported product?
Does the company engrave coining dies in house using CNC technology?
Has the company been in business long enough to count on?
