Ghafari-Designed Aircraft Rescue + Fire Fighting Station Opens at Chicago O’Hare

On June 20, the Chicago Department of Aviation celebrated the completion of the newest aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) station at O’Hare International Airport with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Ghafari designed the 19,000 SF, single-story facility, which provides both ARFF and structural firefighting response capabilities. This mission-critical building was relocated as part of the O'Hare Modernization Program and expansion of Runway 9C / 27C.

The ARFF station consists of four drive-through vehicle apparatus bays accommodating up to eight vehicles. Adjacent to the apparatus bays is a workshop for routine maintenance, along with a 35 foot-high hose tower for fire hose drying. The watch / alarm room serves as the alarm, audio visual, data, and communications nerve center of the facility. All systems are connected to an uninterrupted power supply and an emergency generator.

The administration area consists of an office for the training officer, as well as a conference / training room. The firefighter housing area includes sleeping and hygiene areas that are divided into men’s and women’s dormitories, locker room, shower, and toilet areas. The housing area also includes a large commercial kitchen with an adjoining dining area, as well as leisure and relaxation spaces with day and exercise rooms, and an outdoor patio.

Our design of the ARFF facility incorporates multiple sustainable features. The project goal is to achieve LEED certification.