Modular Fire Stations

Join us as we discuss modular fire stations’ benefits, challenges, and considerations in the Western Fire Chiefs Association’s Fire Headlines Podcast.

The Daily Dispatch recently published an article that highlights a prefab modular fire station located in Southern California. This modular fire station has a rapid construction timeline of only six months, and it is quite spacious, measuring over 4,600 square feet. In this episode of Fire Headlines, Host Samantha Didion is joined by Chief Bob Horton and Chief Jeff Buchanan, who share their thoughts on this innovative approach to fire station construction.

Panel’s Experience with Modular Fire Stations

During the panel discussion, Chief Bob Horton and Chief Jeff Buchanan share their insights on the innovative modular fire station design, drawing from their previous experiences. Chief Horton, who was previously a fire chief in Southern Oregon, discusses how a modular station was utilized during the construction of a new station for his old fire department. He highlights the benefits of the modular station, as well as a neighboring fire department that utilized the same structure while one of their stations was being rebuilt. On the other hand, Chief Buchanan, who worked in Las Vegas, shares that he worked out of a manufactured home because that was all the department could afford at the time. However, he notes that the modular builds being used today are nothing like what he used then.

Challenges and Considerations

Chief Buchanan outlines potential challenges and considerations associated with modular fire stations, such as cultural barriers, cost implications, and logistical concerns. Despite these potential obstacles, the panel remains optimistic about the potential of modular solutions to address the evolving needs of communities. The discussion then shifts to the importance of balance and flexibility in fire station design. Chief Horton and Chief Buchanan both advocate for the integration of modular solutions, alongside traditional approaches, to meet the unique needs of different communities.

Wildland Firefighting and Modular Stations

The panel also briefly discusses the potential application of modular fire stations in the context of wildland firefighting. Chief Horton and Chief Buchanan acknowledge the unique challenges posed by wildfires, such as the need for quick deployment and the unpredictable nature of fire behavior. They then speculated on the feasibility of using modular fire stations as temporary bases during wildfire seasons, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, mobility, and adaptability in such situations.

The panel reflects on the future implications of modular fire stations and the need for ongoing evaluation and adaptation. They highlight the importance of considering factors such as infrastructure, deployment flexibility, and wildfire resilience to ensure that modular fire stations can effectively meet the needs.

Additional Information

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