FIRE STATION
A fire station (also called a fire house, fire hall, firemen's
hall, or engine house) is a structure or other area for
storing firefighting apparatus such as fire engines and
related vehicles, personal protective equipment, fire
hoses and other specialized equipment. Fire stations
frequently contain working and living space for
the firefighters and support staff.
Facilities
A fire station will at a minimum have a garage for
housing at least one fire engine. There will also be
storage space for equipment, though the most
important equipment is stored in the vehicle itself. The
approaches to a fire station are often posted with
warning signs, and there may be a traffic signal to stop
or warn traffic when apparatus are leaving or returning
to the station.
Fire stations have often been built with a tower, for purposes that
have changed with time. A drill tower is used for practicing high-
rise rescue, while a hose tower is used for hanging hoses to dry to
prevent rot. Historically, towers were lookouts for spotting fires.
Activities at a fire station include regular inspection and cleaning of
the apparatus and equipment, and training drills in which the
firefighters practice their skills. Some fire companies also host
public activities at the fire station during events such as a "fire
prevention week", and the facility may also be used for fund-
raising by the "firemen's association", "fire buffs", or "fire
auxiliary".
Occupied stations
If the station is occupied full-time by career firefighters,
it will contain living quarters and work areas, where
they wait until a callout comes through. Career
firefighters are usually able to sleep during a night
shift, so these stations will also have dormitories.
There will be an alarm system to alert them of
an emergency call, and to give some indication of
where and what the emergency is. In some small fire
departments, the only alarm may be a telephone for
receiving calls.
Many fire stations were built with the living quarters above
the garage. This arrangement is common for fire stations
built in a crowded city. The fireman's pole was invented to
allow firefighters to quickly descend to the garage. In
modern times, agencies such as the National Fire
Protection Association have argued that these pose a
safety hazard. Modern fire stations are often built with the
living quarters on the same level as the garage.
SPACE REQUIREMENTS
Vestibule
Firemens Room
Fire Department Chief
Administrative Officer
Personel’s Office
Sleeping Quarters
Toilet & Bath
Dining Area
Kitchen
Service Area
SPACE REQUIREMENTS
Maintenance & Repair Area
Parking Area for Firetrucks
Service Area
Pole
