The Town of Brunswick will soon have a modern new central fire station. Over 40 years in the making, the 28,000 SF, $13 million facility will be one of the most technologically advanced in the state of Maine.
The new station was designed by WBRC in collaboration with nationally-recognized fire station design expert Mitchell Associates Architects. This one-story station with mezzanine, located three blocks from the town’s police headquarters, will provide seven drive-through apparatus bays along with working space for Brunswick’s 40-member department.
Brunswick’s current 100+-year-old central station was built when horse-drawn equipment was in use and is unable to accommodate the largest modern vehicles. The new station’s apparatus bay is sized and configured with these vehicles in mind, allowing for their safe movement, storage, and maintenance. Other firematically-correct design features include state-of-the-art exhaust systems in the apparatus bays, dedicated decontamination areas, redundant power and data systems, and strategic space for lockers, turnout gear, equipment, and storage.
Emergency response personnel must act swiftly and handle a variety of situations at a moment’s notice. This requires professionals who are physically fit and well-rested. The new station includes a fitness room and its bunk rooms are located on the quiet side of the building. Other personnel spaces in this fully-accessible facility include a well-lit day room/kitchen along with bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities.
Administrative spaces are also an important part of the design. The new Brunswick Fire Station includes offices, meeting rooms, some with kitchenettes, and spaces for storage, maintenance support, data, and mechanical systems. The station will also include a museum for historic memorabilia, honoring Brunswick’s firefighting services, which was established in 1810.
The fast and safe movement of vehicles is key to optimal response time, so site and traffic planning is key. The site design of the new Brunswick Fire Station supports the safe, drive-through entry and egress of emergency vehicles, as well as ample parking spaces for staff and visitor vehicles.