Building Fire Stations for the Firefighters Who Serve Us

Fire station construction isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about protecting the protectors and ensuring every square foot is built with safety, speed, and long-term service in mind. For communities across Wisconsin and Illinois, well-designed fire facilities play a key role in emergency response and public trust.

At Camosy Construction, we’ve been building fire stations for decades. From our first project in the 1950s to the six currently underway, we’ve seen firsthand how design, materials, and planning make all the difference in building the right kind of home for the heroes who serve our communities.

What Makes Fire Stations Unique

Unlike typical municipal buildings, fire stations are always active. They serve as living quarters, offices, equipment hubs, training grounds, and emergency dispatch points. Every element needs to work together efficiently and safely.

Some of the most important safety-related design and construction considerations include:

Apparatus Bay Layouts: The heart of any fire station is its bay. Bays need to accommodate large, heavy vehicles while allowing for quick and safe access, even during snow, ice, or late-night calls.
Durable, Fire-Resistant Materials: Walls, ceilings, and flooring must hold up to heat, moisture, and wear over time. Concrete block, non-combustible insulation, and impact-resistant finishes are commonly used.
Mechanical and Exhaust Systems: Removing diesel exhaust and maintaining clean air quality is critical. Ventilation and air handling systems should meet current IAFF and NFPA standards.
Turnout Gear Storage: Specialized lockers or rooms are needed to keep gear clean, dry, and separate from vehicle fumes or living areas.

Protecting Firefighters from Hidden Dangers

Firefighters face more than flames. In recent years, cancer has become one of the leading health concerns in the profession. Repeated exposure to carcinogens from smoke, soot, diesel exhaust, and contaminated gear creates long-term risks that many older fire stations were not designed to address.

Modern fire station construction includes specific design features that help reduce these risks:

Contaminant Control Zones: Stations are thoughtfully divided into hot, warm, and cold zones. Hot zones include apparatus bays and decontamination areas. Warm zones act as transitions, like locker rooms or corridors. Cold zones, such as kitchens, bunk rooms, and offices, are kept clean and separate.
Dedicated Decontamination Rooms: These rooms are equipped with showers, sinks, and gear washers (extractors) to help firefighters clean up immediately after returning from a call.
Isolated Gear Storage: Turnout gear is stored in ventilated lockers or rooms, away from living and sleeping areas. This helps prevent off-gassing and reduces the chance of cross-contamination.
Advanced HVAC Systems: Proper ventilation and air pressure systems are designed to move contaminated air away from clean areas and exhaust it safely outside.

These are not just design preferences. They are necessary health safeguards for the men and women who spend their lives serving others. Every decision we make during construction considers how to improve the long-term safety and wellness of firefighters.

Built for the Long Haul

A well-built fire station does more than meet code. It also anticipates the future. That’s why long-term planning is so important. Our team often works alongside architects and municipal leaders early in the planning process to ensure the project supports evolving needs such as:

Growth in call volume or staffing
New apparatus sizes
On-site training areas
Sustainable building standards

We also understand how important phased construction can be, especially when an existing station needs to remain operational during upgrades or additions.

Proud to Serve Illinois and Wisconsin Communities

Camosy Construction is proud to be the construction manager for multiple fire station projects currently under construction across Illinois and Wisconsin. With over 70 years of experience in public sector work, we bring the consistency, communication, and commitment these complex projects require.

We know that every fire department and municipality is different. Whether you’re planning a brand-new station or rethinking an existing one, we’re here to help you build smart, safe, and with purpose.

Let’s Build a Safer Future

If your community is considering a new fire station or fire safety improvements, our team is ready to help. Contact us today to start the conversation.