New Tucson Fire Station Opens with Focus on Firefighter Safety

The $10 million facility replaces an older station and features upgraded amenities to protect firefighters' health.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Tucson Fire Station 14 has opened on the city's south side, replacing an older station that had been in use since 1968. The new 15,000-square-foot facility is more than four times the size of the previous station and includes features focused on firefighter health and safety, such as individualized alarm systems, a dedicated decontamination zone, and a new gym.

Why it matters

The new station design reflects a growing understanding of the occupational health risks faced by firefighters, who are exposed to carcinogenic materials on the job. By incorporating safety-focused features, the station aims to keep firefighters healthy and ready to respond to emergencies in the community.

The details

The $10 million station was funded by Proposition 101 and features direct access to major roads, private dorm rooms for each of the eight firefighters assigned per shift, and four bathrooms. The building includes individualized alarm systems that only alert the firefighters needed for a specific call, allowing others to remain at rest. There is also a new gym and a dedicated decontamination zone to keep carcinogenic materials from turnout gear out of areas where firefighters work, sleep, and eat.

  • The new Tucson Fire Station 14 opened on February 23, 2026.
  • The old station on South Liberty Avenue had been in use since 1968.

The players

Tucson Fire Department

The municipal fire department responsible for providing fire and emergency medical services to the city of Tucson, Arizona.

Paul Moore

Assistant Chief of the Tucson Fire Department, who spoke about the station's design and its focus on firefighter health and safety.

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What they’re saying

“First and foremost is response to the community but in doing so, I have to have a healthy, fit for duty, ready set of people to respond to those calls.”

— Paul Moore, Assistant Chief, Tucson Fire Department (kold.com)

“They've actually recognized the profession of firefighting as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization so we used that knowledge to really revamp how we designed our station.”

— Paul Moore, Assistant Chief, Tucson Fire Department (kold.com)

What’s next

The next Tucson fire station is expected to open this summer.

The takeaway

The new Tucson Fire Station 14 represents a shift in fire station design that prioritizes the health and safety of firefighters, who face significant occupational risks. By incorporating features like individualized alarm systems and decontamination zones, the station aims to protect firefighters from exposure to carcinogenic materials and support their overall well-being.