Orleans Fire-Rescue Station Headquarters

Strengthening Public Safety: A New Orleans Fire-Rescue Station 

Learn why a new fire-rescue station is essential for Orleans and follow along as we design the facility that will serve and protect our community for generations to come.

1. Why We Need a New Station
2. Project Timeline and Current Status
3. Get Informed
4. Media Library
5. Public Participation

Latest Update:

At its March 2 meeting, the Fire-Rescue Station Building Committee voted to proceed with the two-story building design option for the proposed new fire station. This option was selected after reviewing multiple design approaches and evaluating how best to accommodate the site’s topography while supporting the operational needs of Orleans Fire-Rescue.
You can watch the meeting video here or view the presentation here.

Two articles related to the Fire-Rescue Station project will appear on the upcoming Town Meeting warrant:

  • Property Acquisition Article: This article authorizes the Select Board to acquire a portion of the property at 48 Eldredge Park Way to support construction and site logistics for the new Fire-Rescue Station.

  • Funding Article: This article seeks authorization to borrow funds for the design and construction of a new Fire-Rescue Station, ensuring the department has a modern facility to safely and effectively serve the Orleans community.

Have a question about the Fire-Rescue Station project? Submit it through our online form and we’ll address common questions during the Warrant Presentation Workshop on April 15 from 3:00–5:00 PM.

Fire-Rescue Open Houses (Facebook Post)

Why We Need a New Station

The Orleans Fire-Rescue Department plays a vital role in protecting the lives, property, and well-being of our residents, businesses, and visitors. But the facility they operate out of no longer meets the needs of a modern, professional department - or the community it serves. 

Built in 1987, the current fire station was designed for a different era. Back then, the department responded to about 800 calls per year. Today, that number has grown to over 2,800 - and continues to rise. The building lacks the space, systems, and infrastructure to safely and efficiently support today’s operations. 

From a public safety standpoint, the stakes are high: 

  • Health and safety risks to firefighters are real. The current building does not have proper separation between living quarters and hazardous equipment. It lacks adequate decontamination areas and modern ventilation, putting first responders at risk of long-term health impacts from exposure to carcinogens and contaminants.
  • Recruitment and retention have become increasingly difficult. The fire-rescue profession is highly competitive, and Orleans is competing with departments across the region and the state. A modern, functional station is essential to attract and retain qualified personnel - especially those looking to build a long-term career here.
  • Response times and operational readiness are affected. The layout of the current station is inefficient, and tight quarters make it difficult to maneuver quickly and safely in emergency situations. The facility also lacks proper space for training, equipment storage, and crew accommodations.
  • The station does not meet modern building codes or accessibility standards. It is not compliant with current ADA requirements, and structural issues make it vulnerable during major storms or natural disasters - precisely the times when the department must be fully operational.

Multiple independent studies and assessments over the past decade have confirmed what many in the community already know: the current station is functionally obsolete. Investing in a new facility is not just about bricks and mortar - it’s about ensuring the Orleans Fire-Rescue Department has the tools, resources, and environment it needs to continue protecting our community, now and into the future.

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  • Key stat highlights:
    • Year built - 1987
    • Number of calls responded to annually – 2,800
    • 99.6% of households in Orleans can be reached within 8 minutes from the current location
    • Current building square footage – 10,800 sq ft
    • Number of firefighters on duty: 2-3 in 1988 vs. 7+ in 2025

Project Timeline and Current Status

Building on nearly a decade of planning, analysis, and public input, Orleans voters approved funding for the design of a new Fire-Rescue Station at the 2025 Annual Town Meeting and later authorized the purchase of 56 Eldredge Park Way as the future site of the facility. As part of this transition, the Town will lease the property back to Dr. Monfette of Advanced Family Dentistry of Cape Cod for an 18-month period following the sale to allow the practice time to relocate locally. Dr. Monfette will continue operating from the current location while actively seeking a new space nearby, with plans to relocate by summer 2027. 

The Town has selected The Galante Architecture Studio, Inc. (TGAS) to provide architectural and design services for the new Fire-Rescue Station at Eldredge Park Way. A Fire-Rescue Station Building Committee - comprised of Town staff, Fire-Rescue personnel, and members of the public - has been established to help guide the project and ensure community engagement as the design process moves forward.

FR Station Timeline

Get Informed

Fire Station Studies

The 2020 Interim HVAC Report for the Orleans Fire Department identified serious indoor air quality and ventilation issues in the existing fire station, including aging HVAC equipment, inadequate exhaust systems, and airflow imbalances that allow diesel fumes to migrate into living and office areas. Testing confirmed elevated levels of contaminants during routine operations, raising health and safety concerns. The report outlined three corrective options: a short-term fix to improve air quality, a full 20-year HVAC upgrade, and a green alternative incorporating energy-efficient systems like geothermal heating and cooling. All options emphasized the need for improved ventilation, better system controls, and upgraded electrical infrastructure. 

The Orleans Fire Station Feasibility Study, conducted by Ted Galante Architectural Studios (TGAS) and presented on August 11, 2021, evaluated the viability of renovating or expanding the existing fire-rescue facility in Orleans, Massachusetts. The study concluded that renovation or expansion was impractical due to significant health, safety, and operational deficiencies in the current building. Consequently, the recommendation was to construct a new facility on a different site while maintaining operations at the existing station during construction. 

The 2022 Fire-Rescue Feasibility Study by Kaestle Boos Associates evaluated potential sites for a new Orleans Fire-Rescue Station, building on the 2021 TGAS report that deemed the current station inadequate. The study determined that a modern facility would require approximately 36,000 square feet - more than three times the size of the existing building - and confirmed that none of the available town-owned properties, including space near Orleans Elementary School, were viable due to size, logistical, and community concerns. The report recommended site acquisition as the next critical step before advancing the project. 

The 2022 report by Criterion Associates evaluated potential locations for a new Orleans Fire-Rescue Station, using criteria such as response times, accessibility, and infrastructure requirements. After analyzing several properties, the study concluded that the most advantageous location for a new facility is in the area immediately surrounding the current fire station on Eldredge Park Way. While challenges exist - such as site constraints and potential impacts on adjacent properties - the location offers the best overall response coverage and operational continuity for Orleans. 

Planning Documents

The 2020 Orleans Fire-Rescue Strategic Plan outlines a comprehensive roadmap for the department from FY2021 to FY2025. Developed collaboratively by department personnel and a strategic consultant, the plan identifies five key goals: enhancing personal and cultural wellness, achieving operational excellence, advancing training and professional development, upgrading facilities and technology, and strengthening community education and engagement. It emphasizes the need for a modern facility to replace the outdated fire station, aligning with previous feasibility studies. The plan also introduces a structured implementation framework, including annual reviews and accountability measures, to ensure progress and adaptability over the five-year period.  

The 2020 Fire Department Staffing and Organizational Study identified several critical concerns related to the current station facility. The report noted that the building’s inefficient layout - requiring firefighters to navigate long distances and stairs to reach apparatus bays - likely contributes to delayed turnout times. It also highlighted health and safety risks, including the need for a well-ventilated space to store turnout gear and the relocation of the department’s fitness area, which is currently in the apparatus bay and exposed to harmful contaminants. These findings underscore the importance of a modern, purpose-built facility designed to support both operational readiness and firefighter wellness.

Meeting Slides and Presentations

The 2040 Campus Project Feasibility Study, led by The Galante Architecture Studio (TGAS), is a comprehensive initiative aimed at evaluating the potential for a multipurpose municipal campus on Town-owned land at 46 and 58 Eldredge Park Way, currently housing the Orleans Elementary School and the Orleans Fire-Rescue Department. The study encompasses programming development, conceptual designs, and phased construction options. This collaborative effort involves the Orleans Fire-Rescue Department, Orleans Elementary School Committee, Orleans Recreation, and the Town Manager’s office, focusing on addressing future needs and ensuring optimal emergency response coverage and operational efficiency for the community. 

Media Library

Explore photos, videos, and audio that document the current station, highlight key challenges, and share updates from the project team.

Changes in Fire Station Design, International Association of Fire Chiefs

Modern fire station design has shifted to prioritize firefighter health, safety, and operational efficiency. Key updates include separating living areas from contaminated gear, improved ventilation and decontamination spaces, layouts that reduce turnout times, and features that support mental and physical wellness. These changes reflect a broader commitment to long-term safety and adaptability in fire service facilities.

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Public Participation 

Your Voice Matters

Community input is an essential part of this project. Learn how you can stay informed, ask questions, and participate as we plan for the future of Orleans Fire-Rescue. We’ll be regularly updating this page with upcoming committee and community meetings, as well as opportunities to provide input and feedback throughout the process.

Have a question or want to see the current station in person?

Chief Geof Deering would be happy to connect with you. You can reach him directly at gdeering@orleansfd.com or by phone at 508.240.0050. Public tours of the current Fire-Rescue Station will be scheduled soon, but you’re also welcome to request a private tour at a time that works best for you.