About Friendly Fire

Modernizing Rural Fire Stations for Community Resilience

Our Mission

The Friendly Fire project addresses a critical need in rural America: aging volunteer fire stations that no longer meet modern safety standards or community needs. By transforming these facilities into comprehensive Community Safety & Resilience Hubs, we create spaces that serve multiple functions while preserving the proud tradition of volunteer firefighting.

The Problem

Structural Deficiencies

The Ticonderoga Fire Department operates from a 1976 converted grocery store with ongoing mold remediation, roof and structural concerns, deteriorating floors, and apparatus bays too small for modern fire engines.

Limited Capacity

Small rural departments lack the administrative capacity to navigate complex federal and state funding programs, despite millions of dollars in available grant funding.

Community Needs

Rural communities need multipurpose spaces for emergency sheltering, training, public meetings, and community events, but current facilities cannot safely accommodate these uses.

Design Principles

Safety & Compliance

All renovations prioritize NFPA compliance, modern safety systems, and hazard abatement to protect firefighters and community members.

Community Benefit

Designs incorporate flexible multipurpose spaces that serve emergency management, community gatherings, training, and civic functions.

Scalability

Solutions are designed to be replicable across rural America, with standardized approaches that can be adapted to local conditions.

Pilot Project: Ticonderoga, NY

Location

60 Montcalm Street, Ticonderoga, NY 12883

Current Challenges

  • Building never intended to be permanent (converted grocery store)
  • Nearly 50 years of service in inadequate facility
  • Ongoing mold remediation requirements
  • Structural and roof concerns
  • Apparatus bays too small for modern equipment
  • Limited community use due to safety concerns

Proposed Solutions

  • Comprehensive hazard abatement
  • Structural rehabilitation and roof replacement
  • Expanded apparatus bays for modern fire engines
  • NFPA-compliant safety systems installation
  • Multipurpose community hall addition
  • Emergency management and training facilities

Expected Impact

Improved Safety

Modern facilities with proper ventilation, decontamination areas, and safety systems

Enhanced Response

Better equipment storage and maintenance capabilities for faster emergency response

Community Resilience

Emergency sheltering, training, and meeting spaces for community preparedness

Economic Development

Improved public safety infrastructure supports local business and resident confidence

Ready to Transform Your Community?

Learn how the Friendly Fire model can help modernize your rural fire station and create a community resilience hub.

Back to Home