For how many years is a fire station built to last?

The longevity of a fire station is typically designed to be at least 50 years, reflecting the need for durability and resilience in the face of various environmental conditions and operational demands. Fire stations serve critical functions for many communities, including housing emergency response vehicles and personnel, and are built with materials and infrastructure capable of withstanding wear and tear over decades.

This 50-year benchmark is often set to ensure that the facility can adequately accommodate evolving technologies and operational needs, as well as to support the financial investment made in these essential community resources. Building codes and standards generally aim for a 50-year lifespan to provide adequate return on investment and to ensure that the community benefits from a reliable emergency response infrastructure for generations. In contrast, shorter lifespans, such as 20, 30, or 40 years, may not align with the expected usage and importance of the facility in safety and emergency services.