Fire Station Location Study, Analysis, and Resource Allocation

As the area of fire department response grows, there exists a mandatory need for the establishment of additional fire stations. The placement of the station(s) should be based on established groundwork that exists in the fire service and not be a “wherever we can find the land” decision. The Insurance Services Office (ISO) has guidelines, there are computer models, and there are desires of the Fire Department Chief. The desires of the Chief are very important since it is his area 1) that is of concern to him. The term “location” is used because the ability of the government entity to purchase the individual site(s) chosen as the best location may not always be able to be accomplished, therefore, two (2) and preferably three (3) sites will be chosen with a priority number given each. All sites will take into consideration the indicators and requirement of a well placed station location. The considerations involved with the ISO Fire Suppression Rating Schedule will be a part of the planning process.

In addition to the designation of station location, there will be a list of the fire department resources needed at that station. The fire apparatus required and the personnel manning will be shown. These recommendations will be made with the agreement of the Chief. If the situation and conditions dictate, any other recommendations the based on the over-all fire department operations which will be impacted by the addition of this station will be enumerated.

This service can also be used in fire department service areas where there is a desire or need for a study to determine whether present stations locations can be used with a different strategic generated need requiring the use of different apparatus (quint concept or addition of EMS services) in place of existing apparatus and the resulting affect on the fire service's efficiency in operations and future long-range plans. All recommendations will continue to include the resulting ISO status information.

As the population expands, not only in relation the coverage of ground area, but also in terms of the type and height of building construction, fire station location becomes extremely critical. Factors involved in the decisions can relate to time of response coverage in terms of distance as well as to the number and type of apparatus which should be responding. The location of any station and the type(s) apparatus located therein can also affect staffing. As expansion (annexation) continues, relocation of stations, as well as the location of a new station and the closing of a former one (with its personnel and equipment transferred to an already existing station), may become the most precise, efficient, and fiscally sound action.

Upon notification by the fire department that this type study is needed, the following initial informational conference and study will be made:

1. conversation with the Chief (and his desired officers) regarding the ISO classification to which that this study will be related and carried out relocation
2. the present needs for the consideration of additional stations and for the relocation and closing of a present station(s)
3. location of present stations, equipment therein, and staffing
4. boundaries of the department’s response area (to include proposed expansion/annexation)
5. sites that may be available to the department to use for new stations
6. projected movement of growth and new construction (residential and commercial)
7. hydrant location map with main sizes
8. listing of any particular large industrial complex areas and/or areas of particular hazard to fire department operations
9. what will the budget (and future monies to be available) allow in terms of new equipment and personnel

The information above is a part of the vital data needed for planning and study evaluation. Actual time/distance studies and “runs” will be made so as to ensure that the information gathered and set forth has been checked and is part of the recommendations furnished.