Search
Menu
News

WFC News

Posted: Apr 3, 2018

Fire Station Designs: Functionality is Key

By Alan M. Petrillo

Fire departments around the country are engaging architects to build new stations or refurbish older structures to 21st-century standards.

While many new contemporary style stations are being built, often a department chooses a traditional design over a contemporary one to reflect an area’s heritage or the department’s tradition. Other reasons behind the style of station design include blending the structure into the character of a neighborhood and, at times, fitting the station onto a small-sized or irregularly shaped piece of property.

1 Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects was the design consultant for this station built for the Bruton (VA) Volunteer Fire Department. (Photos 1 and 2 courtesy of Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects.)

1 Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects was the design consultant for this station built for the Bruton (VA) Volunteer Fire Department. (Photos 1 and 2 courtesy of Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects.)

Traditional Designs

Ken Newell, principal at Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects (SCN), says that in the 400 fire stations SCN has designed and built, the firm has done a wide variety of every type of design style. “The majority of our clients want a more traditional style of architecture for their fire stations,” Newell says. “For example, we designed a new modern fire station for the Pleasant Valley (SC) Fire Department with a very traditional look. The station uses cultured stone, masonry, cast concrete, red overhead doors, and a hipped roof. There’s something about that look that draws clients to it.”

In Lincolnton, North Carolina, the city hall and fire station were designed and built in the 1970s and were separated by about 100 feet, Newell says. “They needed more space in both buildings, so we designed and built additions to each structure, connected them, and then put a more traditional looking skin around the whole thing,” he notes. “The initial architecture was old tan brick facing with long vertical slot windows and a flat roof. We put on more traditional red brick and stucco, with concrete entryways and accent pieces.”

For the Bruton (VA) Volunteer Fire Department, Newell says SCN was the design consultant architect “to replace a very old station on the same site. They wanted the aesthetic of a historic old school in their community, so we built a five-bay station of masonry and precast concrete, arched openings, and circle head windows built to look traditional but very modern inside. We built it 20 feet behind the old station, and when it was completed, tore down the old station and turned the area into the front drive apron.”

2 The Manhattan (KS) Fire Department used Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects as the design consultant for this contemporary-style fire station.

Read more

  • 304
  • 0
  • Article rating: No rating
Posted: Apr 3, 2018

CMC to Debut the Industry's Most Compact, Intuitive, and Customizable Bailout System at FDIC International 2018

 

CMC, the California-based rescue and work-at-height company dedicated to helping save lives and keeping people safe, today announced the introduction of its all-new CMC LEVR System — an intuitive bailout system that features improved performance, new functionality, and a compact size that conveniently and unobtrusively stows in a user’s turnout gear.

Made in the USA, the LEVR System will be demonstrated at FDIC International 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana, from April 23-28, at CMC Booth #1438.

The system, and its new LEVR descender, is named for its ergonomic shape and intuitive operability. It offers easy payout, reliable edge transition, and simple descent control. The system’s compact size accelerates deployment, reduces risk of entanglement when in use, and minimizes interference with other firefighting duties when not in use.

“The LEVR’s patent-pending design was developed from the ground up with a focus on solving key issues found in existing bailout systems,” said Tyler Mayer, CMC Director of Engineering. “The design was continually reviewed, tested and validated with the CMC School, fire professionals and industry thought-leaders, who pushed us to create the best system available. The net result is a fully optimized bailout system that offers best-in-class performance in an unbelievably small package.”

The LEVR descender maintains an ultra-low payout force, which allows the user to easily reach the point of egress once the anchor has been placed, while its streamlined profile allows the device to easily negotiate obstacles such as window sills, railings or parapets even when loaded.

Simple descent control is made possible by the LEVR’s unibody actuation, ergonomic shape, and knurled handle – which offers a sturdy, confidence-inspiring grip even when wet. In the event of a dynamic drop, impact force mitigation limits the maximum force exerted on the system reducing the chance of overload. This both protects the anchor and limits impact forces on the firefighter.

“Most existing bailout systems regularly get caught on ledges and sills, which require us to take certain precautions, such as pre-measuring rope around the window sill, that delay our descent from the burning building,” stated Kelly Byrne, Washington DC Firefighter and CMC School Instructor. “The LEVR isn’t like most other systems, though. It’s compact and sleek shape prevents these typical hang-ups and eliminates the need to pre-measure rope during the bailout. It allows us to get from the building to the ground-level easier, safer, more-efficiently than ever before – it’s as simple as that.”

The LEVR System is comprised of the LEVR descender, the FlashLite Hook, CMC Fire Escape Web (11mm), and an escape bag, which comes pre-rigged and is available in two package options: the cargo pocket/ waist belt bag – with either a 40’ or 50’ web – or a customizable package for fire departments with unique and specific packaging requirements such as fitting an existing pocket.

The patented FlashLite Hook escape anchor is the lightest escape use-certified model available, and delivers outstanding strength with minimal weight, while the Escape Web features 100% Technora® fiber for superior strength and durability when exposed to heat and flame. 

“The CMC LEVR System and its LEVR descender are engineered to perform reliably during bailout scenarios where every second counts,” concluded Ole Kils, CMC’s Lead Engineer for the LEVR Project. “We’ve carefully considered each necessary step to get from an elevated position inside a burning building to the safety of the ground, and tailored the LEVR System accordingly. We’re proud of the performance and safety enhancements achieved by the

Read more
  • 307
  • 0
  • Article rating: No rating
Posted: Apr 3, 2018

Fire Station Designs: Functionality is Key

By Alan M. Petrillo

Fire departments around the country are engaging architects to build new stations or refurbish older structures to 21st-century standards.

While many new contemporary style stations are being built, often a department chooses a traditional design over a contemporary one to reflect an area’s heritage or the department’s tradition. Other reasons behind the style of station design include blending the structure into the character of a neighborhood and, at times, fitting the station onto a small-sized or irregularly shaped piece of property.

1 Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects was the design consultant for this station built for the Bruton (VA) Volunteer Fire Department. (Photos 1 and 2 courtesy of Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects.)

1 Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects was the design consultant for this station built for the Bruton (VA) Volunteer Fire Department. (Photos 1 and 2 courtesy of Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects.)

Traditional Designs

Ken Newell, principal at Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects (SCN), says that in the 400 fire stations SCN has designed and built, the firm has done a wide variety of every type of design style. “The majority of our clients want a more traditional style of architecture for their fire stations,” Newell says. “For example, we designed a new modern fire station for the Pleasant Valley (SC) Fire Department with a very traditional look. The station uses cultured stone, masonry, cast concrete, red overhead doors, and a hipped roof. There’s something about that look that draws clients to it.”

In Lincolnton, North Carolina, the city hall and fire station were designed and built in the 1970s and were separated by about 100 feet, Newell says. “They needed more space in both buildings, so we designed and built additions to each structure, connected them, and then put a more traditional looking skin around the whole thing,” he notes. “The initial architecture was old tan brick facing with long vertical slot windows and a flat roof. We put on more traditional red brick and stucco, with concrete entryways and accent pieces.”

For the Bruton (VA) Volunteer Fire Department, Newell says SCN was the design consultant architect “to replace a very old station on the same site. They wanted the aesthetic of a historic old school in their community, so we built a five-bay station of masonry and precast concrete, arched openings, and circle head windows built to look traditional but very modern inside. We built it 20 feet behind the old station, and when it was completed, tore down the old station and turned the area into the front drive apron.”

2 The Manhattan (KS) Fire Department used Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects as the design consultant for this contemporary-style fire station.

Read more

  • 238
  • 0
  • Article rating: No rating
Posted: Apr 3, 2018

Applying Water on the Fireground

chief concerns richard marinucci

Always attack a fire from the unburned side. How many firefighters learned this over the years?

But, research indicates that putting water on the fire, regardless of what direction, will make the situation better. Now there may be some perils from arbitrary application of water, but the fact remains that the best way to gain control is to get water to the fire as quickly as possible. Besides fire control, rescue profiles are enhanced for those sheltering in place. This is a shift in traditional thinking and, like anything else, one size does not fit all. There are various considerations when selecting the appropriate tactic including staffing levels, fire location and size, wind speed and direction, and available water supply. We can also include competence on that list.

Engine Company Tasks

Engine companies are usually the group assigned the task of water delivery. The simplest explanation of this responsibility is to get the water from the source to the fire. The source can be tank water on the engine, water from a tanker truck, a hydrant system, or water from a fixed source such as a pond. The source is important in the decision-making process as staffing and training come into play. Organizations with limited staffing are challenged to make hydrant lays and hookups while still trying to lay lines to the fire. Departments with minimal experience in tanker shuttle operations or drafting from a fixed source will not be able to quickly establish a continuous water source. Even areas with good mutual aid and a planned shuttle operation have to consider response times that can delay establishing a water supply early. All of this needs to be considered—and considered quickly—when selecting the appropriate tactic for water application.

Staffing

Staffing levels and the ability to assemble the right number of people within certain time frames affect tactical decisions. Some organizations may have one or two people initially on an engine. Even with three, there are limitations. While ultimate staffing on the fireground may appear to be adequate or even in line with National Fire Protection Association standards, understaffed first-arriving vehicles will have limits to their tactical options. This also means that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation of two in/two out cannot be met until additional resources arrive. Where do the priorities lie—attack line or water source? This will depend on the experience level of the arriving units and their ability to make a fast assessment of the conditions. The size and location of the fire are the main factors. Engine companies can carry varying amounts of tank water. Is there enough to get a quick knockdown? If so, what is the best way to accomplish this?

Equipment

Departments establish their best means of rapid deployment based on not only staffing but the equipment carried. Preconnected lines that are manageable by the staffing levels are intended for specific fires in structures—usually for an interior attack. The size of the lines used must be maneuverable by the personnel on hand. For example, charged 2½-inch lines are extremely heavy and are not easily relocated or advanced by most firefighters. Without adequate staffing to move the lines, they will end up in a fixed location. This may be okay if it fits the overall strategy. The decision

Read more
  • 277
  • 0
  • Article rating: No rating
Posted: Apr 3, 2018

Applying Water on the Fireground

chief concerns richard marinucci

Always attack a fire from the unburned side. How many firefighters learned this over the years?

But, research indicates that putting water on the fire, regardless of what direction, will make the situation better. Now there may be some perils from arbitrary application of water, but the fact remains that the best way to gain control is to get water to the fire as quickly as possible. Besides fire control, rescue profiles are enhanced for those sheltering in place. This is a shift in traditional thinking and, like anything else, one size does not fit all. There are various considerations when selecting the appropriate tactic including staffing levels, fire location and size, wind speed and direction, and available water supply. We can also include competence on that list.

Engine Company Tasks

Engine companies are usually the group assigned the task of water delivery. The simplest explanation of this responsibility is to get the water from the source to the fire. The source can be tank water on the engine, water from a tanker truck, a hydrant system, or water from a fixed source such as a pond. The source is important in the decision-making process as staffing and training come into play. Organizations with limited staffing are challenged to make hydrant lays and hookups while still trying to lay lines to the fire. Departments with minimal experience in tanker shuttle operations or drafting from a fixed source will not be able to quickly establish a continuous water source. Even areas with good mutual aid and a planned shuttle operation have to consider response times that can delay establishing a water supply early. All of this needs to be considered—and considered quickly—when selecting the appropriate tactic for water application.

Staffing

Staffing levels and the ability to assemble the right number of people within certain time frames affect tactical decisions. Some organizations may have one or two people initially on an engine. Even with three, there are limitations. While ultimate staffing on the fireground may appear to be adequate or even in line with National Fire Protection Association standards, understaffed first-arriving vehicles will have limits to their tactical options. This also means that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulation of two in/two out cannot be met until additional resources arrive. Where do the priorities lie—attack line or water source? This will depend on the experience level of the arriving units and their ability to make a fast assessment of the conditions. The size and location of the fire are the main factors. Engine companies can carry varying amounts of tank water. Is there enough to get a quick knockdown? If so, what is the best way to accomplish this?

Equipment

Departments establish their best means of rapid deployment based on not only staffing but the equipment carried. Preconnected lines that are manageable by the staffing levels are intended for specific fires in structures—usually for an interior attack. The size of the lines used must be maneuverable by the personnel on hand. For example, charged 2½-inch lines are extremely heavy and are not easily relocated or advanced by most firefighters. Without adequate staffing to move the lines, they will end up in a fixed location. This may be okay if it fits the overall strategy. The decision

Read more
  • 295
  • 0
  • Article rating: No rating
RSS
First48294830483148324834483648374838Last

Theme picker

Filter News Catagories

Search News Articles

Terms Of Use | Privacy Statement - Copyright 2024 by Washington Fire Chiefs