The new Station No. 46 for Dallas Fire Rescue nearly doubles the size of the previous facility and adds vital new capabilities for protecting and saving firefighters’ lives from post-fire contamination. It is the first Dallas station—and one of the few in Texas—to offer a pressurized full transition zone. This system traps carcinogens via a negative pressurized filtering system, allowing firefighters to safely transition out of their uniforms while keeping the main station free of contaminants.

The station is also the first in Dallas to provide dedicated wildland fire prevention and mitigation services. Because of the station’s size and proximity to Dallas’ wildland areas, Dallas Fire Rescue deemed it an ideal location to accommodate the large equipment needed to combat wildland fires, such as brush trucks.

Development of both capabilities was led by Lt. Nelson Rossy, facilities coordinator for Dallas Fire Rescue. He regularly attends fire station design conferences and was able to provide current fire station design best practices and potential industry gaps at Dallas Fire Rescue stations.

Photo by HWH

Unlike the previous facility, the new station includes enough sleeping quarters to house all on-duty firefighters, three full bays for fire equipment, an ICC-500 tornado storm shelter, EV charging stations and a dedicated fitness room.

To meet LEED certification goals, general contractor Harrison, Walker & Harper sourced renewable, recyclable materials able to endure years of heavy use, including sealants, paints, ceramic tile, rubber flooring, insulation, cold-formed metal framing and solar panels.

The structure’s design focused on preserving the health and mental well-being of the firefighters. Apart from the security and safety offered by the new facility, the station’s amenities focus on stress relief. A dedicated gym area, unavailable in the previous facility, offers an opportunity for firefighters to release tension and anxiety. A covered porch area, not available at most area fire stations, provides treed landscaping and quiet space for rest and relaxation.

The 2.5-year project was completed on time and on budget in September 2021.