Village of Pleasant Prairie Fire Station #1

Location Pleasant Prairie, WI
Size 17,600 Sq. Ft
Architect Plunkett Raysich Architects

The  fire station includes four apparatus bays and house up to 10 apparatus. It features eight sleeping rooms, day room and a superb kitchen; a training room that can be used as a backup 911 call center in an emergency, hose tower, and a training mezzanine that allows the department to conduct rescue training.

The apparatus area includes four drive-through bays that are 110 feet in length and provides space for 12-13 vehicles, including the department’s ATV, boat and the department’s first rig, a 1930s Pirsch pumper. Adjacent to the apparatus floor is a large turnout gear storage area with room for up to 45 sets of gear.

Above the apparatus bay are two “man-rated” I beams that can be used for training opportunities like high-angle rescue operations. One I beam will also have a pulley to raise equipment to the second floor. An open window-like portal in the hose tower area above the apparatus bay will allow for inside ladder drills during times of inclement weather. The stairs leading to the hose tower and the areas adjacent to the hose tower also are designed for training opportunities. It is outfitted with a standpipe for hose-advancing  operations. A manhole that leads between floors will allow for confined-space training. There is also an outlet so that a smoke machine can easily be operated in the area. Training opportunities were a big thing in the planning of the station, inside and out.

The dorm area includes eight individual sleeping areas each with its own door and three lockers – one for each shift. An interesting feature of the doors is that the walls don’t reach to the ceiling. That was one area where the department saved money by not having to install individual lighting and sprinkler heads for each room.

At the front of the station is the office area, comprised of an assistant chief’s office and a watch office where department members can greet the public who enter the station through a secured vestibule. It includes a small classroom and training room to host certification-type course, but provides ample space for on-duty trainings and meetings.

The exterior of the station was designed to tie into the adjacent village hall and includes the same brick and stones used and the coloring of the roof. Focus on energy efficiency and sustainability took place through the mechanical system, electrical system, window glazing and ample use of natural light.