This facility received the Career 2 Notable award in the 2025 Firehouse Station Design Awards. Find the full list of winners here. 

The two-story, design-build fire station replaced an existing station that was on the same site.

It features a four-bay apparatus area, accommodation for an aerial platform, a turnout area, hose storage, a workshop, storage areas, laundry facilities, medical storage, a decontamination room, an exercise room, a patio, offices, 12 bunkrooms, eight restrooms and a kitchen/dayroom. Regarding the latter, “Finally, elevated seats in the dayroom!” one Station Design Awards judge remarked.

The station incorporates best practices for Hot Zone design, including a decon area that has a gear-only washer and dryer, an extractor and a turnout dryer. A restroom is located off of the apparatus bay, so firefighters don’t enter the station until they cleaned off. A sink alcove and an airlock vestibule that’s located between the apparatus bay and the station minimize the spread of contaminants into living areas. 

Bunkrooms are situated on the second floor, to create restful living spaces that are separate from active workspaces. “Great work,” said one Station Design Awards judge.

The exterior of the station was a collaborative design effort that blended characteristics of the station, city attributes and overall architectural aesthetics. The result is a station that complements the surrounding community while still prominently standing out as a civic landmark. The Station Design Awards judges agreed.

The interior of the station blends seamlessly with the exterior scheme while incorporating durable and sustainable materials that can withstand heavy and consistent use over extended periods.

The project included developing plans for temporary fire facilities for the department to utilize during construction of the station. 

The site consists of a backup generator, a fuel station and a trash enclosure.

The design also includes improved site access for emergency vehicle circulation.

Extensive use of 3D modeling of the station throughout the process enabled the design team to help the Orange County Fire Authority and the city visualize the proposed design and site challenges and develop a solution that satisfied both community and fire district concerns.

Architect: COAR Design Group