The Fire Station Design Conference 2024 is set to take place from 4 to 5 November at the prestigious De Vere Cranage Estate, near Crewe.
This pivotal event will delve into the most cutting-edge trends and advancements in fire-station design and construction, with a focus on improving safety, functionality and inclusivity in fire stations.
The conference also aims to create spaces that better serve firefighters and support staff – while significantly reducing the risks associated with contaminants and operational hazards.
Conference overview
Day One – 4 November: The event will begin with an informal networking evening, offering attendees a relaxed environment to connect and exchange ideas. The evening will feature a barbecue, entertainment and an opportunity for industry professionals to meet prior to the full-day conference.
Day Two – 5 November: The main conference will commence at 9:30am and conclude at 3:45pm. Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to visit various exhibition stands, showcasing innovations from leading companies in fire-station design and construction.
In addition to networking, the day will feature presentations tailored to property, estates and facility departments, as well as fire-station management. These sessions will be led by experts in architecture and manufacturers specialising in fire-station equipment and facilities.
Key themes will include safety, sustainability and improving the functionality of fire stations to better protect firefighters and staff.
Focus of the conference
The conference will focus on key aspects of fire-station design, particularly how the layout and facilities can reduce exposure to harmful contaminants. This issue has become increasingly important as studies highlight the risks of cross-contamination and the long-term health effects firefighters face due to exposure to hazardous particles.
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (HIWFRS) will be a central contributor, with two impactful presentations:
Steven ‘Robbie’ Burns, Watch Manager of Fire Contaminants at HIWFRS, will share his personal experience with cancer, an alarming disease believed to be linked to occupational exposure to fire contaminants.
His presentation will emphasise the real and immediate health risks that firefighters face, and the need to redesign fire stations to mitigate these dangers. The estate’s flow – cleaning processes – and overall maintenance are crucial for protecting those in contact with contaminants.
Emily Frith, Senior Estates Improvement Manager for HIWFRS, will present the Retrospective Design Principles Project (RDP). This ambitious project focuses on retrofitting 12 existing whole-time fire stations to meet modern standards.
The RDP addresses challenges such as ageing facilities, outdated infrastructure and the need to comply with current legislation. The project emphasises inclusivity, reducing the risk of contamination, and creating healthy workspaces for firefighters and support staff.
Presentations and exhibitors
Other key presentations will come from HLM Architects and Crofton Engineering, focusing on:
Decontamination processes: Improving fire-station design to protect firefighters from carcinogen-laden soot and other harmful particles.
Carbon reduction: Incorporating energy-efficient designs to help fire stations reduce their environmental impact and work towards achieving net-zero emissions.
Gender-neutral design: Creating inclusive spaces for men, women and gender-neutral personnel and visitors.
Mental well-being: Enhancing fire-station layouts to provide decompression areas for firefighters and staff to unwind and recover from the stresses of the job.
Fire Behaviour Training Units (FBTUs): Showcasing the latest in LPG-powered training structures from Crofton Engineering, designed to improve fire-safety training.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will also deliver a significant presentation led by Karl Edwards, Director of Corporate Services. Karl will outline how ECFRS is transforming its fire stations to prioritise inclusivity, mental well-being and safety. He will discuss the implementation of red, amber and green zones in fire stations, designed to mitigate contamination risks. ECFRS is also leading the charge towards net carbon zero, adopting sustainable practices in their operations to reduce their carbon footprint.
Venue and atmosphere
The event will be held at the De Vere Cranage Estate, a Grade II listed venue located in the peaceful countryside of Holmes Chapel, Cheshire. Originally designed by British architect Lewis Wyatt, the estate blends historical charm with modern amenities, providing an inspiring backdrop for the conference. With a mix of traditional and contemporary spaces, the venue offers both grandeur and comfort.
Attendees can enjoy freshly prepared meals at the Tempus Restaurant & Bar or relax on the outdoor terrace. For those staying overnight, the hotel offers luxurious rooms that blend rich decor with stylish furnishings, making it a perfect retreat after a day of networking and learning.
The Cranage Estate is conveniently located just minutes from the M6 motorway and has direct rail links to Manchester city centre. Free, superfast Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue, ensuring attendees can stay connected during the conference.
Exhibitors
In addition to the presentations, the conference will feature an exhibition area with stands from some of the leading companies in fire-station design and emergency services support. Exhibitors include:
HLM Architects: Combining global experience with local insight, HLM Architects focuses on creating designs that improve operational efficiency and safety for fire stations.
GearGrid: Specialists in storage equipment for emergency services, GearGrid’s products ensure the durability and efficiency needed in fire-station environments. Their designs promote air movement for faster drying, essential for decontaminating gear.
Fire Product Search: The leading global guide for firefighting and rescue equipment, serving an international audience of fire chiefs and professional firefighters.
Crofton Engineering: Providers of bespoke training structures for emergency services, including facilities for rope rescue, BA, USAR and LPG-powered FBTUs.
Jewers Doors Ltd: A UK-based manufacturer known for its bi-folding doors, installed in hundreds of fire stations across the UK, designed for efficiency and durability.
Steelplan Kitchens: Designers of high-quality, stainless-steel kitchens, ideal for semi-commercial environments like fire stations.
Ridge Architecture: Known for creating sustainable and functional buildings that stand the test of time, Ridge Architecture is committed to delivering structures that support the unique needs of fire stations.
The event is also supported by UK Fire Magazine, the go-to journal for fire protection and firefighting professionals, offering the latest insights into technology, training and equipment.
Positive response from UK Fire Services
The Fire Station Design Conference 2024 has received overwhelming support from UK Fire Services. Several brigades have already confirmed their attendance, including:
- Hampshire Fire and Rescue
- Cheshire Fire and Rescue
- Essex Fire and Rescue
- Gatwick Airport
- Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue
- Northumberland Fire and Rescue
- Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service
- Leicestershire Fire and Rescue
- Lancashire Fire and Rescue
- West Midlands Fire and Rescue Service
- Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
- Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service
- Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service
This high level of participation underscores the importance of the conference and the industry’s commitment to improving the safety, inclusivity and functionality of fire stations across the UK.
Register Now
To secure your place at the Fire Station Design Conference 2024, go to https://firestationdesign.co.uk/register/
For more information, including the full agenda and speaker details, go to https://firestationdesign.co.uk
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the future of fire station design!
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