Northwest Fire District Fire Station #32

Located in Tucson, AZ

Northwest Fire District Station #32 is a replacement fi re station for one of the District’s older stations. A major challenge in the design and construction was the requirement that the existing fi re station remain in full operation throughout the complete process. With the limited space of 1.25 acres for the entire project, phases of the project had to be completed prior to the razing of the existing station.

The new fire station is designed to support a staff of six full time firefighters with separate dorm rooms, single user restrooms and a large physical training room. There are three apparatus bays with decontamination and laundry facilities. The station includes a separate turnout storage room large enough for dual sets of turnouts for each firefighter. The complex is enclosed with security walls and an electrically operated gate.

The walls are constructed with aerated concrete block which provides thermal mass and high thermal resistance. Large low-e windows and thermally-efficient skylights flood the building with natural light without letting in heat. Large skylights and windows provide ample daylight in the apparatus bays for firefighter safety. This project is naturally lit in over 75% of regularly occupied spaces to save electricity during the day.

WSM also performed design assistance and building performance evaluations to allow the District to qualify for rebates under Tucson Electric Power’s “New Construction Rebate Program”.

WSM completed an extensive initial site evaluation and feasibility study for this site. Working with Pima County Development Services we were able to secure a number of waivers required for this project to be permitted.