The new Station 8 for the Boone County Fire Protection District is a state-of-the-art, 13,500-SF facility designed to replace an aging 1980s-era station. Engineered for continuous 24-hour operations, the single-story structure serves as a vital emergency response hub for South Columbia. The project was successfully delivered under budget and within a 13-month construction window, meeting all International Codes and rigorous owner-specified design parameters.

Health and Safety-First Design
A primary driver for the new facility was the implementation of a “Clean vs. Dirty” zoning strategy. To combat the high rates of occupational cancer among firefighters, the station features a dedicated decontamination zone that physically separates “dirty” gear and equipment from the living quarters.

• Decontamination Suite: Includes a gear extractor, specialized laundry, SCBA cascade room, and an EMS supply room.
• Environmental Control: Designed to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring that hazardous particulates from the apparatus bays do not enter the resident areas.

Infrastructure & Site Development:
The project required significant site work and utility coordination, including an 800-foot extension and upgrade of an 8-inch water main. This involved a complex under-roadway bore to enhance fire suppression capabilities for the site and the surrounding frontage.

Advanced Training & Operational Features:
The facility is more than a garage; it is a regional training destination.

• Training Tower: A multi-functional end-of-the-bay interior/exterior tower equipped with a simulated sprinkler system, maintenance hole, lifting props, and standpipes to facilitate real-world drills (ladder work, hose movement, and window rescues).
• Apparatus Bays: Four double-length bays provide ample room for the district’s heavy equipment and rapid deployment.
• Technology Integration: A multi-use classroom features integrated AV, including a ceiling-mounted projector and professional sound system, supporting ongoing education for both residents and volunteers.

Resident Life & Volunteer Recruitment:
To remain competitive in attracting volunteer firefighters, the station transitioned from traditional communal housing to modern, hotel-style accommodations.

• Living Quarters: Eight individual resident rooms with private baths to ensure privacy and comfort.
• Amenities: A commercial-style kitchen with commercial-grade appliances, a dedicated workout room, and a designated “clean” laundry room for personal use.
• Resiliency: The facility includes a reinforced storm shelter and an emergency generator to ensure uninterrupted service during severe weather events.

Facility Highlights:

• Training Tower
• 4 double-length drive-through apparatus bays
• Eight individual resident rooms with private bath facilities
• Multi-use Education/Training Room
• Living Room & Dining Room
• Decontamination Suite
• Workout Room
• Commercial Kitchen
• Reinforced Storm Shelter with emergency generator
• Electric vehicle charging station for residents/volunteers use