The Flexible Prototype - Fire Stations

Prototypical Elements

*Three fire station prototypes are currently in use: a basic station; a fire station housing a District Headquarters; and, a fire station containing a Satellite Training Center.

Safety & Security

• One-story floor plan that does not contain a fire pole. This design is safer for firefighters, hurrying to respond to a fire call, as there is no longer a hazard of tripping or falling down stairs or pole-related accidents. The one-story design has also led to quicker response times.
• Six cameras mounted on corners of the building to monitor the parking lot, as well as the ingress and egress of individuals and vehicles.
• Circular driveway creates safer environment for maneuvering fire trucks, fire engines, and ambulances in and out of the station.

• All fire stations are now designed to achieve a Silver-rated Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Some of the requirements for earning this rating include the following:
  • Solar thermal panels to heat water used in the station;
  • Low-flow toilets that reduce water usage;
  • Capture rainwater in a cistern and return, or reuse, 50% of that water;
  • Water captured from roof used for sprinkler system, and, in the future, can be used for washing fire trucks;
  • 50% of rooftops to be "green," or vegetative.

• The infrastructure is in place to tie into the Global Building Monitoring System, managed by the City's Department of General Services, that controls a facility's HVAC system from a remote location. This system eliminates the need for an engineer to be located at individual sites.
• Lighting, irrigation systems, and clocks are all on timers and programmable through the Building Automation System.
• Emergency diesel generators installed in the fire stations. If the power fails, the emergency generator switches on immediately and emergency calls will not be dropped.

• Videoconferencing capabilities are available.
• On-site classrooms with desks and dry erase boards are included in each station.
• Fire stations with Satellite Training Centers house two large classrooms and an outdoor training pad for driving instruction and to practice fire hose drills with hydrants.

• District Headquarters and Satellite Training Center prototypes have conference rooms that can be used by the public for meetings and gatherings.
• Space and personnel available on site for teaching fire safety to school children.