Sunday, July 5, 2009

Welcome to Station Style Online

Material Best

By Janet Wilmoth, Editorial Director

In the nearly 10 years that since we launched Station Style, I’ve learned a few things about architects. I believe that architects and apparatus manufacturers have a lot in common. Both like challenging and unique projects. Both can wow you with designs they are fiercely proud of. And both need to be reminded of budgets.

I could come up with a much longer list, especially because fire stations and fire apparatus are big, long-term investments for a department.

Fire station design and construction has gained prominence in those years because of several significant trends in the emergency services profession as a whole. Exhaust removal systems and fitness rooms become standard in new fire stations, as have male and female toilet and shower facilities. Training options are being designed in to stations, as are separate areas for decon and laundry facilities. The next 10 years will see the incorporation of safe zones and micro-bacterial fabrics to restrict the spread infectious diseases....

Feature

Gear at the Ready

Jun 16, 2009 11:08 AM, By Dennis Ross, AIA

Lockers provide several options for storing personal protective equipment. Generally the method of storage relates to a specific type of response. For example, EMS gear generally is stored in carry bags and uses shelf or rack storage rather than lockers. Its location is dependent on the type of response and how the EMS coordinator sets up the station. ...

Station of the Month

Goodyear Station Finds Good Will in the Community

Jun 16, 2009 1:43 PM, By Janet Wilmoth

The Goodyear (Ariz.) Fire Department needed a new fire station on a 1.1-acre plot outside a gated community, golf course and a shopping center. According to Deputy Chief Mike Ullman, the small space was a real challenge, complicated by heavy road traffic....

Going Green

Illinois Department Goes Paperless

Jun 16, 2009 12:08 PM

Paperless reports, recycling programs and hybrid vehicles save energy costs for this department. ...

There are a number things that can be done to help stations go green. For more suggestions, click here.

Already green? Share your department's green tips with FIRE CHIEF readers.

Call for Entries

Station Style Awards

May 14, 2009 9:39 AM

Fire Chief's sixth-annual Station Style Awards competition is now accepting entries...

Station Styles

Seattle Upgrades Station 31

Jun 16, 2009 11:54 AM

SHKS Architects designed the structural upgrade, renovation and addition to the Seattle Fire Department's Fire Station 31. The project was funded by the Fire Facilities and Emergency Response Levy Program, approved by Seattle voters in 2003. ...