Charlotte Firehouse #30

Salas O’Brien delivered comprehensive engineering services for Firehouse #30, Charlotte’s first all-electric fire station. This innovative facility features three apparatus bays and two stories, supporting enhanced emergency response operations and accommodating the city’s first electric fire engine. Our team designed geothermal heat pumps, radiant slab heating in the apparatus bay, and electric unit heaters as needed. In addition, the plumbing uses a recirculation pump with three electric water heaters. The facility receives electrical service estimated at 750 kW from Duke Energy, with a 150 kW charger for the electric fire engine, capable of charging in about two hours. Facility lighting uses LED fixtures and centralized controls. Backup power comes from two roll-up generators— one for the building and one for the engine charging system. Rooftop photovoltaic panels help offset electrical demand. The site’s design also provides current and future electric vehicle charging infrastructure, aligning with the station’s all-electric mission.