| After many long years of detailed planning, delays, budget crunches, and much effort; construction on another Dumfries-Triangle Fire and Rescue Station is well underway. A recent site-visit by the editor shows a quick peek into the progress being made this week.
Since the ground breaking ceremony in June of 2008, crews have surveyed the areas and removed several tons of dirt from the location's hillside. A phenomenal effort all on it's own, the relocation of the dirt and salvage of nearby vegetation has finally been completed. Erosion and run-off protection as well as retainer walls have all been installed to protect the site and local area.
Recently all of the underground utilities, water mains, and foundation reinforcement have been put in place. Several hundred yards of concrete were poured and the installation of the structural I-beams is being conducted.
During our short visit nearly the entire shell of the northern most wing was erected. As the workers lifted the steel beams into place others were clearing the planned parking areas and access roads to the station grounds.
STATION 23 - APPROXIMATE SPECIFICATIONS
Total Area: 28,500 sq. ft.
Total Bay Area: 9,500 sq. ft.
Cost: Under Budget
Completion Date: July 2010 (Estimated)
Features & Services:
• 5 Double-Deep Drive-Through Bays
• Integrated Training Tower w/ FDC & Standpipe Connections
• Rappelling Platform and rigging
• Windows for Simulating High-rise Evacuation
• Confined Space Simulator(s)
• Administrative, Firematic, and Support Spaces
• Eco Friendly Facilities & Firefighters' Living Quarters
• State-of-the-art Interactive Classrooms
• Back-up Emergency Operations Center
In the evenings, on weekends, and holidays, Station 23 will employ members and apparatus from both the Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad and the Dumfries-Triangle Volunteer Fire Department. During career hours Monday through Friday staffing will be augmented by the Prince William County Fire and Rescue personnel and possibly a twenty-four hour medic unit.
The growing size of Prince William County rivals that of nearby Fairfax and surrounding counties. The need to keep abreast of the county's public services needs, has been a challenge for years. The Town of Dumfries and Prince William County has always chose to be proactive as this need continues to grow.
Station 23 will serve the citizens of Prince William County from the Neabsco area in Woodbridge, to areas south into Dumfries, and a large portion of Interstate 95 in both directions. It will also prove to serve many new commercial areas along the Potomac River and provide mutual aid to Quantico MCB and Stafford County as needed.
As far as getting the many volunteers to operate the new station; let's just say, if you build it – they will come! It is anticipated that both departments combined will need at least sixty-five new members to join their ranks by 2010; a true challenge in today's age.
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Statistical information provided by Pacheco Ross, P.C.
Voorheesville, N.Y.
© 2005 http://www.pra-pc.com/
Pacheco Ross Architects, P.C. (PRA) utilizes expertise that extends well beyond the traditional architectural firm. PRA employs knowledge-based, cost-effective, innovative design for firematic, police, EMS, public safety and emergency response projects. We actively lead our Clients through the complete process, including feasibility, financial planning, site selection, design, estimating, total project budgeting, bidding, construction, and close-out. |
