b'COVER STORYAPEX FIRE HALL A BEACON OF SAFETY FOR A REMOTE COMMUNITYBY MATTHEW BRADFORDA new fire hall has openedThe 5,500-square-foot facility wasa workshop, changing rooms and its bay doors at the Apexdesigned by G3 Architecture Inc. andbathrooms. Beyond its basic layout, Mountain Ski Resort. Tucked high indeveloped by Greyback Construction.the building incorporates several the mountains west of Penticton, B.C.,G3s Gustavo da Roza says the priorityadvanced systems that enhance its the Apex Volunteer Fire Rescue (AVFR)was to provide a fully functional fire hallsafety and efficiency. These include an Station 121 now stands as a showpiecethat was efficient both in constructionautomated truck exhaust extraction for purpose-built facilities and, morecosts and, more importantly,system, equipment decontamination importantly, a lifeline for a communityin operations. systems and backup generators to beset by increasing wildfire activity.ensure firefighters can continue with Overall, says Johnston, AVFRs newthe necessary training and support Station 121 was established to createhome is designed with the ultimate goalfunctions for emergency operations, a Fire Underwriter Survey (FUS)of providing a safe, secure and centrallyregardless of local weather conditions or certified fire service, which enableslocated facility that allows firefightersnatural hazard situations. residents and businesses within theto engage in an immediate and effective region to access affordable propertyresponse to a range of emergencies,A focus on occupational health insurance and maintain a year-roundthrough all of the extreme seasons andand safety is evident throughout mountain community. Beyond thisconditions experienced by a remotethe station. In particular, its layout core requirement, the presence of the firemountain environment community. is optimized for firefighter and hall and the AVFR assures residents andequipment decontamination, flowing visitors of the Apex community a fasterThe fire hall includes a 3,500-square- from the gross decontamination of response to fires, rescues, medical incidentsfoot apparatus bay capable of housingfirefighting PPE (personal protective and motor vehicle incidents, as well asfour vehicles, including a specializedequipment) and clothing to personal the necessary associated fire and life safetywildland firefighting truck used todecontamination (e.g., decontamination prevention programs that are integral toaccess remote fires. The remainingshowers). The latter, explains Johnston, supporting emergency response, addsspace is dedicated to office space, ais supported with a negative air AVFR fire chief Kelly Johnston. state-of-the-art communications room,ventilation system that exceeds the 18 SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION'