Fire Station Progress in 2020

The goal is firefighter health and safety. And this year’s 2020 Station Design Award entries approached that goal with more natural daylight and operable windows. Fire sprinklers. Decontamination. Air quality checked not just in apparatus bays, but also through airlocks and positive/negative pressure. Clean, green living areas. And being a good neighbor.

Of the 74 entries in this year’s Station Design Awards, what were trends five years ago are now standard practice among the entries. Most impressive? Seventy-two out of 74 entries had fire sprinklers installed in their stations and facilities. Fire departments are practicing what they preach about the safety of fire sprinklers.

Air quality in apparatus bays is an impressive second with 59 apparatus bays acknowledging either direct capture or other systems in their bays. Even better, 13 stations had two systems in their bays to ensure better air quality. The City of Meridian, ID, Fire Station 6, included cross-ventilation as well as an exhaust filtration and removal system in the apparatus bay.

One architect in the judging noted even with direct capture attached as soon as the apparatus enters the bay, fumes slip into the station. Also, testing or running tools and pieces of equipment produces fumes.

It was encouraging to see only a few entries with turnout gear in the apparatus bays. Again, the majority had turnout gear in a separate room, some with two entrances, and separate ventilation systems.

Decontamination procedures were addressed in most fire stations. From one end of the spectrum is Central Valley Fire District, Belgrade, MT, with a separate, 2,200 sq. ft. decontamination building to stations with extensive decon areas across the apparatus bays opposite the living areas, and variations in between. The goal of every station is a healthier and cleaner environment for department personnel.

Airlocks and walk-off mats were in transition areas. Pearland, TX, Fire Station No. 1 has a decontamination airlock that only allows access one-way, from the bay to the living quarters, to prevent everyday use and is considered contaminated.

The focus on firefighter mental health was addressed naturally and with new materials. Rolling Meadows, IL, Headquarters, focuses on developing the bunk rooms as both sleeping quarters and post-incident decompression pod quiet zones. These rooms are in the most protected area of the station, have sound-absorbing materials and acoustic walls to control noise. Operable windows offer natural light and fresh air to alleviate stress and encourage a better mental balance.

Designing a fire station to be a good neighbor is a challenge for many departments. To satisfy the neighborhoods’ concern of lost green space, the Sam Bass Fire Department in Round Rock, TX, responded with a plan that saved mature trees, shielded site-lighting, and reduced noise. The plan also connected walking trails and provided trail users with a public water cooler and restroom in the fire station lobby.

Increased department responsibilities, new technology, and sustainability efforts have had a dramatic impact on fire stations. While many are still recognized by their standard brick and stone with multiple bay doors, several cities entered in this year’s award program chose more contemporary designs to fit in with the city’s growth. Or, perhaps it’s to acknowledge modern advancements of first responders and a look to the future?

One of the most modern designs entered is the Innisfil, Ontario, Canada, Fire & Rescue Station 5. Stark, angular sections complete the building, the first of two municipal facilities designed to be a landmark along the way to a world-class golf course and resort. Designed to maximize natural daylight and operational windows for natural ventilation and the focus on air quality, it includes an outdoor patio, exhaust capture, and natural/fresh air intake ventilation systems. The interior design provides comfort, safety and addresses the health of both the crews and fire administration personnel.

The exteriors of fire stations have changed over the past 20 years. Most are still recognizable as fire stations with the bay doors and prominent flagpole, but the interior changes are more dramatic. Training, fitness and quick response are still just as critical as twenty years ago, but new designs for sleeping, decontamination, open kitchens and eating areas each focus on the well-being of firefighters and EMS personnel. Good job!

Click here to see all the facilities recognized in the 2020 Station Design Awards.