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Piney Point Volunteer Firehouse seeks small addition for live-in firefighter to boost rural response
Summary
Blake told the DRC the Piney Point Station 4 addition would add living quarters for one firefighter to improve rural response; staff said the addition needs separation from engine bay, egress windows, and standard utility letters and permits.
Blake, speaking for Piney Point Station 4, told the Benton County DRC that the volunteer fire district proposes an addition to the existing two-bay station to provide a single live-in bedroom and limited meeting/office space to facilitate a quicker emergency response in the Camp War Eagle area.
Blake said the addition would be attached to the existing metal station, require only electrical work (no new water), and provide a first-floor office and meeting room with a second-floor sleeping area and storage. "We are looking at Station 4 for Piney Point...an addition to allow for a live in firefighter," Blake said, adding volunteers would be expected to maintain the station and respond to calls while not at their full-time jobs.
Fire and building staff emphasized life-safety and separation requirements. County fire staff told the applicant that where a residence adjoins an engine bay there must be proper separation and egress; Lonnie noted the separation will likely require a two-hour rating and egress windows or stair access for the upstairs bedroom. Amanda (building safety) added that the addition must meet commercial IBC standards where applicable and that the design should show exits and distances for the life-safety plan.
Why it matters: Piney Point is a rural volunteer district with few local volunteers; a single live-in firefighter at Station 4 is intended to reduce response time in a high-risk area and supplement volunteer staffing.
Staff listed submittal items the project must satisfy: engineered plans showing required separations and egress, confirmation of no new septic or water needs for the addition, and utility/service letters. 9-1-1 administration confirmed the address to use for permitting and said existing addressing must be carried through the permits.
Next steps: Staff said the applicant should submit engineered plans and required letters; the DRC did not object to the concept and noted typical permitting and construction code compliance requirements. No formal vote or funding decision was taken at the Feb. 11 meeting.
