New Boulder Fire-Rescue Station 2

Station 2 is one of the busiest stations in the city. Not only will the new station reflect the city's commitment to public safety, efficient green design principals, and modern usable infrastructure, but it also is a healthier space for our firefighters and will increase the ability of fire response in the district.

  1. Design

    Fall 2024 - Fall 2025

  2. Build

    Fall 2026 - 2028

  3. Complete

    2028

Completion Date
2028
Current Phase
Design

Project Overview

The current Station 2, located on Baseline Road, is no longer able to meet the operational and safety needs of Boulder Fire-Rescue (BFR) or the demands of a growing and evolving city. While firefighter health and safety is a foundational concern, several broader strategic factors are driving this replacement project:

  • Inadequate Facility Size: The existing station is too small to house the number of apparatus and firefighters required for the area it serves.
  • Incompatible with Modern Apparatus: Fire apparatus have significantly increased in size. Even with a previous bay expansion, the current facility cannot properly accommodate modern equipment.
  • Operational Limitations: Station 2 is among the busiest in the city. It lacks the space and infrastructure needed to support evolving response priorities, including increased wildland-urban interface (WUI) risks and climate-related challenges.
  • Outdated Infrastructure: The existing station has inefficient and aging electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. It does not align with the City’s sustainability or energy efficiency goals.

Fire Station 2 construction will be funded by the Capital Improvement Projects fund.

Key Benefits of the New Station

  • Improved Safety & Efficiency: The new design includes pull-through apparatus bays, eliminating the current dangerous practice of backing into the station from Baseline Road and significantly improving responder safety.
  • Expanded Capacity: The new facility will house additional apparatus and allow for future staffing growth, including space for a third unit such as an ambulance.
  • Modern Design Standards: The station will include:
    • Decontamination spaces and gear washing facilities to support cancer prevention
    • Proper separation between operational and living spaces
    • Dedicated areas for turnout gear, equipment storage, and fitness
    • Living spaces better designed to support 24-hour operations, including bunk rooms, kitchens, and quiet zones to promote mental health and improve morale
  • Long-Term Sustainability: The new building will align with citywide green infrastructure goals and is expected to provide 50 to 75 years of fire protection capacity for the community.

Design

Architectural renderings are not yet available but will reflect the City’s commitment to high-performance public safety facilities and sustainable, community-centered design.

Future Staffing and Apparatus

  • The new Station 2 will initially house one crew of four, who will cross-staff a traditional fire engine and a wildland interface engine.
  • The facility is being built with future flexibility in mind and will accommodate:
    • One engine company
    • A dedicated wildland apparatus
    • Future ambulance and crew, as the City moves toward expanded EMS capabilities

Operating Cost Impacts

The rebuilding of Fire Station 2 will reduce facility maintenance and energy costs.

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