Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the FireRescue1 eBook, "Innovation in action: Reimagining the fire station.” Download the free resource here.
By Captain Greg Barta
Orange County Fire Authority’s (OCFA) Fire Station 24 is a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the evolving needs of emergency response in Mission Viejo and beyond. More than just a fire station, this project represents a forward-looking vision for public safety infrastructure, one that blends operational excellence, community engagement, sustainability and timeless architectural design.
Strategically located at a prominent intersection within Mission Viejo’s growing Core Area, OCFA Fire Station 24 has been carefully planned to serve as both a functional emergency response hub and a civic landmark. From its Andalusian-inspired architecture to its cutting-edge technology and firefighter-focused interior design, every element of the new facility reflects OCFA’s commitment to protecting the community while preparing for the future.
A gateway to the community
Station 24 was envisioned not only as a vital emergency operations center but also as a welcoming, highly visible part of the Mission Viejo community. Its prominent two-story design, enhanced landscaping and architectural details were intentionally created to make the station a recognizable and respected civic presence. Drawing from the Andalusian style that defines much of Mission Viejo’s aesthetic, the station’s exterior features colored masonry, integral stucco, decorative tile and a tiled roof, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with its surroundings while standing out as a landmark of public service.
The station’s orientation and placement were carefully planned to maximize visibility from Marguerite Parkway while providing safe, efficient access for emergency apparatus.
The main apparatus exit drive is located on the north side of the property to minimize slope and improve operational flow, while a new emergency traffic beacon ensures that fire engines can respond quickly and safely even during peak traffic periods. The result is a facility that not only looks like a cornerstone of the community but also functions as one.
Speed, safety and efficiency
At its core, a fire station must enable firefighters to respond rapidly and effectively to emergencies. Every aspect of Fire Station 24’s layout and infrastructure was designed with that mission in mind. The interior organization minimizes travel time from any point in the building to the apparatus bay. A fire pole allows personnel to descend directly to the bay, and clear circulation paths ensure that firefighters can be out the door and en route within seconds.
The new station is also designed with the latest “Hot Zone” concepts in fire service architecture, separating clean and contaminated areas to reduce the spread of carcinogens and other hazardous substances brought back from calls. A dedicated decontamination room with shower and utility sink allows firefighters to clean themselves and their gear before entering living spaces, while a “dirty” crew restroom is located adjacent to the apparatus bay for immediate use upon return. These features, combined with proper ventilation systems and positive pressure airflow in living areas, help safeguard firefighters’ long-term health. At OCFA cancer awareness and prevention is a top priority and the newest station was built with that in mind.
Designed for the people who serve
OCFA understands that a fire station is more than a workplace — it is a second home for the men and women who serve our community. Fire Station 24 was designed to provide comfort, functionality and flexibility for the personnel who will live and work there. The second floor houses 12 individual bunk rooms and six single-occupancy restrooms, a layout that accommodates evolving staffing models and ensures privacy regardless of gender composition.
The kitchen and dining area flow into a shaded outdoor patio, creating a communal space for meals and downtime, while the day room offers a relaxing environment to decompress between calls. A state-of-the-art fitness facility — complete with high ceilings, space for a range of training equipment and a large roll-up door for indoor/outdoor workouts — helps firefighters maintain peak physical readiness.
Durable finishes, from polished concrete flooring to sound-attenuating wall materials, ensure that the facility can withstand the wear and tear of 24/7 use while providing a comfortable and modern atmosphere. Storage, laundry, janitorial and utility spaces are strategically placed on both floors to support daily operations without sacrificing space or efficiency.
Sustainability and resilience at the forefront
In designing Station 24, OCFA placed a strong emphasis on environmental responsibility, resilience and long-term operational efficiency. The building’s envelope, mechanical systems and interior environment were all optimized to reduce energy consumption and operating costs. A 22-kW rooftop photovoltaic system helps offset electrical demands, while a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC system allows for precise, zone-based temperature control with minimal energy use. Each bunk room can be individually adjusted, ensuring comfort without waste.
Natural daylight is another key feature of the design. Large windows and tubular skylights reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day, while energy-efficient LED fixtures with automated controls and motion sensors ensure that lighting use remains minimal and cost-effective. Plumbing systems use water-efficient fixtures, and the landscaping plan incorporates drought-tolerant, Mediterranean-style plantings and hydrozoning techniques to minimize irrigation needs.
Additionally, the building is constructed to serve as an Essential Services Facility, meaning it can remain operational during and after disasters. Reinforced masonry shear walls, emergency backup systems and robust communication infrastructure ensure that Station 24 can continue to function even under extreme conditions. In the event of a power outage, a diesel-powered generator with a 72-hour fuel supply will keep critical systems running.
Modern site and landscape design
The site surrounding OCFA Station 24 is designed to be as functional and environmentally responsible as the building itself. A secure perimeter with durable masonry walls provides safety and privacy, while carefully planned driveways, turning radii and emergency vehicle striping enhance operational efficiency. Stormwater is managed through bio-retention basins and culverts that reduce runoff and protect local waterways, and existing site utilities have been thoughtfully integrated or relocated to support the new facility.
The landscaping takes inspiration from Andalusian gardens, with vertical elements like palms and cypress trees accentuating the building’s architecture. Low-water shrubs and groundcovers, arranged in formal patterns, reinforce the civic character of the site while reducing long-term maintenance needs. Irrigation systems use moisture sensors and low-precipitation emitters to conserve water, and overhead irrigation is avoided near impermeable surfaces to prevent runoff.
Durability and longevity built in
Station 24 was designed with a service life of 50 years or more, ensuring that the Mission Viejo community will be well-served for decades to come. Materials were selected not only for their aesthetic qualities but also for their durability and ease of maintenance.
Multi-colored concrete masonry walls, stucco finishes and brick veneer provide long-lasting exterior protection, while polished and sealed concrete floors inside the building are designed to withstand heavy use. Apparatus bay doors and site walls are constructed for both functionality and longevity, and all mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems were chosen for their reliability and low maintenance requirements.
This focus on durability extends beyond the building itself. OCFA and its partners implemented sustainable construction practices throughout the project, including aggressive construction waste management and material recycling programs. These efforts reflect our commitment not just to building for today, but to building responsibly for future generations.
Reflecting OCFA’s mission
Ultimately, Fire Station 24 is more than a building; it is a physical embodiment of OCFA’s mission to protect life, property and the environment through effective emergency response and community engagement. Every design choice, from the site orientation to the choice of materials, was made with the dual goals of operational excellence and community service in mind.
The station’s thoughtful design enhances firefighter readiness, reduces environmental impact and strengthens Mission Viejo’s emergency response infrastructure. At the same time, it stands as a proud symbol of civic partnership — an investment in public safety that reflects the values and aspirations of the community it serves.
As Mission Viejo continues to grow and evolve, Fire Station 24 will serve as a cornerstone of that progress. With its blend of tradition and innovation, durability and sustainability, functionality and civic pride, it sets a new standard for fire station design — one that will guide OCFA’s mission for decades to come.
Final thoughts
The completion of Fire Station 24 marks a significant milestone for OCFA and the City of Mission Viejo. It is a facility that not only enhances emergency response capabilities but also embodies the principles of innovation, resilience and community partnership. By integrating advanced technologies, sustainable design strategies and thoughtful architectural elements, OCFA has created a space that meets the demands of today while anticipating the challenges of tomorrow.
Fire Station 24 is more than a place where firefighters work. It is a home, a training ground, a community hub, and a beacon of safety, designed to protect and serve Mission Viejo for generations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Greg Barta is a fire captain and public information officer for the Orange County (California) Fire Authority.
