By Deputy Chief Danny Gile
The Phoenix Fire Department has long prided itself on being a progressive, data-driven organization with a relentless focus on firefighter safety, wellness and operational excellence. That tradition continues with the opening of Fire Station 62, a 16,000-square-foot facility in West Phoenix.
Fire Station 62 At-a-Glance
- Size: 16,000 sq. ft.
- Apparatus: 4 bays
- Dorms: 16 individual
- Cost: $15.9M
- Architect: Perlman Architects
Strategically placed in one of the fastest-growing areas of the city, the station represents not only an investment in infrastructure, but also a commitment to the health and well-being of the men and women who serve our community. And with a design that targets cancer-risk reduction and supports resiliency, the facility is as much a wellness center as it is an emergency response hub.
Location and operational context
West Phoenix continues to experience rapid growth, with increased demand for emergency services across residential, commercial and industrial developments. As such, situating Station 62 at 91st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road was certainly not accidental; it reflects careful GIS-based deployment analysis that identified a coverage gap in a busy and expanding corridor of the city. This location helps ensure reduced response times for a variety of incident types, including structure fires, medical calls and hazmat incidents.
But while response capacity was a driving force, the station’s design philosophy reached deeper. National studies and PFD’s own internal data show that cancer remains the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths among firefighters. Building a station that actively mitigates occupational exposure risks became the cornerstone of the project.
Designing for cancer prevention
Fire Station 62 incorporates the latest architectural strategies, construction materials and operational technologies to reduce carcinogen exposure and foster a healthier environment for firefighters. From the layout of the apparatus bay to the choice of wall paint, every feature reflects lessons learned from national studies, industry best practices and the department’s own experience with occupational health risks.
Passive exhaust evacuation system
One of the most critical features of the station is the passive exhaust evacuation system integrated directly into the apparatus bays. Unlike traditional systems that rely on manual activation or hose connections, this system operates automatically with any door operation. It provides a complete air change in six minutes or less, effectively removing diesel particulates and airborne toxins before they can migrate into living and sleeping quarters. This innovation reflects best practices from NFPA 1500 and aligns with current research on firefighter exposure pathways.
Hot zone best practices
The station’s floor plan is structured around hot, warm and cold zones — an industry-recognized best practice for exposure control. Apparatus bays and decontamination areas are classified as hot zones, transition corridors are designated warm zones, and dorms and living spaces are cold zones. Clear signage reinforces these boundaries, providing constant reminders to personnel about contamination control protocols. This visual communication strategy helps ensure compliance, even during high-tempo operations.
Decontamination facilities
Station 62 features a state-of-the-art decontamination room immediately adjacent to the apparatus bays. Upon returning from a call, firefighters can enter directly into the decontamination shower area, wash off contaminants, and launder gear and clothing without tracking carcinogens into living spaces. This separation of functions creates a true contamination barrier — an architectural firewall against cancer-causing chemicals.
Environmental systems and comfort design
Beyond direct carcinogen reduction, Station 62 also prioritizes holistic wellness by creating a restorative and resilient work environment.
Advanced alerting technology
The station features an advanced USDD (United States Digital Designs) alerting system, specifically engineered to reduce cardiac strain during dispatch events. By gradually increasing lighting and tones, the system minimizes the “startle effect” often associated with traditional alarm bells. This subtle but meaningful design choice reflects Phoenix Fire’s commitment to every aspect of firefighter wellness, from physical to psychological safety.
Zoned HVAC and ventilation
The station is equipped with zoned HVAC systems that provide both comfort and controllability. Air handling units are separated by zone, ensuring contaminants cannot recirculate between hot, warm and cold areas. Advanced filtration systems improve indoor air quality, meeting or exceeding ASHRAE standards for medical-grade ventilation.
Natural lighting and ventilation were intentionally integrated into the station’s architecture. Large windows and clerestory openings maximize daylight exposure, promoting circadian rhythm health and reducing fatigue among firefighters. For operational flexibility, blackout shades and mini blinds provide complete light control for rest periods.
Lighting systems
Dimmable lighting controls are provided in every space, allowing firefighters to adjust brightness based on activity and time of day. The station’s alerting system includes ramped lighting and tones, gradually escalating during dispatch notifications to reduce cardiac stress — a known occupational hazard in the fire service.
Fitness and recovery spaces
Recognizing that fitness is central to occupational resilience, Station 62 includes both indoor and outdoor fitness spaces. These areas provide firefighters with the ability to train, recover and maintain peak performance, all within the protective environment of the station.
Materials and finishes
Station 62 was constructed with a deliberate avoidance of carcinogen-trapping materials such as carpet and fabrics. Instead, the design team selected finishes that are durable, washable and low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some examples:
- Concrete flooring was chosen for its cleanability and resilience.
- Full-height tile in high-use areas provides easy decontamination and moisture resistance.
- Washable paints and ceilings further ensure that every surface can be thoroughly cleaned, reducing the accumulation of toxins.
- Color psychology informed the use of paints and finishes, with hues selected to help firefighters recharge, recover and maintain mental wellness after returning from stressful calls.
Individualized living quarters
The station reflects evolving cultural and organizational priorities around inclusivity, privacy and personal wellness. Sixteen individual gender-neutral dorm rooms and restrooms allow every firefighter to rest and recover in private, reducing fatigue and supporting mental health. This shift away from traditional open-bay bunking arrangements also helps control cross-contamination risks from gear or clothing.
Community impact
While the focus of Fire Station 62 is firefighter health and wellness, the community also reaps significant benefits. The station’s location improves response times in a high-demand area, while its design supports continuous operational readiness. The station also has the capacity to house an all-hazards engine company and an ALS rescue unit.
Furthermore, healthy firefighters are better equipped to serve the public, ensuring the community receives the highest standard of emergency response.
The station also symbolizes transparency and accountability to the public. By investing in cancer prevention and firefighter wellness, Phoenix is demonstrating that it values the long-term health of its first responders, those who sacrifice daily to protect others.
Final thoughts
The opening of Fire Station 62 represents more than the addition of another facility to the Phoenix Fire Department’s network. It is a declaration of priorities — that firefighter wellness, cancer prevention and operational excellence are inseparable. With its cutting-edge design, advanced systems, and deliberate focus on exposure reduction, Station 62 sets a new benchmark not only for Phoenix but for fire departments nationwide.
The station is well-positioned to serve the rapidly growing West Phoenix community. More importantly, it ensures that the firefighters who respond from its bays do so from an environment designed to protect their long-term health.
As the fire service continues to grapple with the occupational cancer crisis, Fire Station 62 offers a model for what is possible when foresight, partnership and innovation converge. Phoenix Fire is proud to lead the way, and Station 62 stands as a living example of our unwavering commitment to the safety, wellness and resilience of our firefighters.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Danny Gile is the deputy chief of Resource Management for the Phoenix Fire Department.
