Sustainability

San Diego’s First All-Electric Fire Apparatus

Designed by Miller Hull, the new station enhances emergency response, prioritizes firefighter health, and advances the City’s climate goal

A first for the region, the new Fire Station 52 introduces San Diego’s first all-electric fire apparatus, setting a precedent in public safety and sustainable infrastructure. Designed by The Miller Hull Partnership and built by Level 10 Construction, the state-of-the-art facility aligns with the City’s Climate Action Plan, incorporating low-carbon systems and on-site renewable energy. The 14,500-square-foot station houses three apparatus bays and accommodates a crew of nine to eleven.

Strategically located between UC San Diego and surrounding residential and life sciences districts, the new station fills a critical service gap in the growing Torrey Pines region. The design is guided by three priorities: Simple Building Form, Firefighter Health & Response Time, and Authentic Community Connection & Fit—balancing functionality with civic and environmental responsibility.

Simple Building Form

Built on a steep site with over 20 feet of grade change, the station required creative planning to accommodate a three-bay, drive-through layout. The design carves into the slope to create a flat circulation zone, with a compact two-story structure that bridges over the southern drive aisle. This approach maximizes space efficiency while minimizing ground-level footprint.

The roof supports on-site photovoltaics that supply 10% of the building’s energy needs, but are designed to scale up for full electrification. The envelope is highly efficient, and material selection was guided by a low-carbon ethos, supporting the City’s emissions reduction targets.

Images by Chipper Hatter

Firefighter Health & Response Time

The station’s layout is optimized for swift emergency response, with clear circulation from living quarters to the apparatus bays. Just as important as speed is the health and safety of the firefighters themselves. The design supports the San Diego Fireman’s Relief Association’s Cancer Awareness and Prevention Program (CAPP) by promoting the guiding principle of “Clean Air, Clean Body, Clean Gear.”

To reduce exposure to harmful contaminants and prevent cross-contamination, the station is organized into three distinct zones—red, yellow, and green—separating equipment, gear, and living areas. This zoning ensures that potentially carcinogenic materials brought back on PPE, tools, and vehicles are isolated and safely managed.

Further promoting health and well-being, the building incorporates healthy materials, abundant daylight, natural ventilation, and direct connections to outdoor spaces—including a shared kitchen and fitness area designed for comfort and recovery.

Authentic Community Connection & Fit

The building responds to the unique character of the Torrey Pines corridor, both natural and built. Nestled into the landscape, the station preserves views and mature coastal vegetation along N. Torrey Pines Road. With no true “back side,” it faces both the busy arterial and UC San Diego campus, responding to each with thoughtful orientation and massing. A welcoming public entry is positioned to the west, where inside, a sculptural lighting installation made from repurposed fire hoses commemorates the department’s history. Designed in collaboration with the San Diego Fire Department, the piece creates a nighttime beacon, reinforcing the station’s civic presence.

With Fire Station 52, the City of San Diego sets a new standard for emergency facilities—one that prioritizes sustainability, firefighter well-being, and thoughtful urban integration. As the first in the region to house an all-electric fire truck, the station represents a critical step toward a healthier, more resilient future.