Completed in early 2025, the new Au Sable Forks Volunteer Fire Station replaces an outdated, undersized building with a modern, purpose-built facility designed to improve emergency response capabilities, operational efficiency, and firefighter health and safety.
For decades, the Au Sable Forks Fire Department operated out of a converted 1950s-era schoolhouse, where classrooms once used for band, art, and mechanical shop had been adapted into vehicle bays. However, the aging building lacked the space, infrastructure, and systems necessary to support contemporary fire service operations.
To meet current demands and plan for future growth, the Fire Department partnered with LaBella Associates and Hueber-Breuer Construction Co., Inc. (Construction Manager) to design and construct a new 13,500-square-foot fire station. The project was presented in public forums to gain community support and approval.
The facility features eight full apparatus bays with four overhead doors and drive-through access. Interior spaces prioritize functionality, durability, and adaptability, with a layout organized to follow National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) best practices and minimize contamination risks. Key operational areas include a dedicated decontamination zone, turnout gear storage, a hose drying area, and a radio room.
Additional spaces—including a training room, a kitchen, a dayroom, administrative offices, and a multipurpose community room—support 24/7 readiness, firefighter recovery, and public engagement. Energy-efficient systems, low-maintenance materials, and ample natural daylight contribute to a healthier indoor environment and reduce long-term operational costs.
