A group of civic architects and fire chiefs judged the 2006 Station Style Design Awards this past week here in Chicago. No, we're not going to announce the winners yet, but it's fair to say that the judging included some of the most interesting discussions we've had in the six years of recognizing the best fire stations out there.

This year's judges identified four central themes: safety/health, functionality, convenience and architecture. The judges also were very quick to consider each station's locale, from the desert Southwest to the cold Northeast, in their decisions. Budget was a hot topic, from community-supported bonds to one gross over-expenditure — "That's like flipping the bird to the taxpayers," one judge said.

On the other end of the budget spectrum, one of the more unique stations submitted this year combined five fire companies into one building. According to a chief, "This is an excellent pooling of resources to save money."

Stations submitted this year were certainly tuned into more "green" options than in previous years, including sustainable design. For example, the Renovation category featured entries that put stations into old commercial buildings. This form of "recycling" is a growing trend, according to the architects on our panel.

The judges also noted the prominence of sprinklers and exhaust systems in fire stations, with one saying, "For this department to put in an exhaust system on such a tight budget means they really are committed to a safe working environment." Another judge commented, "Nobody ever puts a white ceiling in a fire station if there's no exhaust system."

The priorities of the departments were reviewed: "The priority of this department is their four-minute response time." Which brings us to traditional fire pole! "I think a fire pole is the most romantic thing in a fire station," said one chief, "but do you know how many injuries we have seen?" It was agreed that a fire pole is best located in an alcove "so that it doesn't obstruct anything." Judges also noted that better airlocks are a must to make sure exhaust fumes aren't being forced into living areas.

Speaking of living areas, the judges discussed the day rooms of various departments. In a number of Virginia departments, the day room is a long kitchen table with chairs and a television set. Further west, it holds the traditional recliners that are at half-mast after dinner.

Other interesting high or low comments on the station entries:

• "When visitors come to the station, can they find the front door?"
• "I would have changed the exercise room with the gear-cleaning room so they could look out a window while exercising."
• "Vehicles access the bay without backing onto the street."
• "How can a volunteer department not have a shower?"

Watch for our November Station Style Awards issue for more on this year's great stations. And if you're attending Fire-Rescue International in Dallas, stop by the FIRE CHIEF booth to see our special 50th anniversary display!

Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director
janet@firechief.com