Firefighters also have to be dressed and ready to work in any condition, Fleurette says. "Wind is king," he says. "When we are approaching an emergency we prepare for some serious constant winds." Frostbite is a constant threat, even in sunny weather. That's because of the adiabatic winds that can blow for days at a time from the South Pole toward McMurdo, creating perfect conditions to whip up flames.

The existing fire facility, located at 475 32nd St., is too small at 11,612 square-feet, has insufficient parking for fire personnel and does not provide proper circulation for fire vehicles responding to emergencies, according to a staff report.