Fire department officers should also be aware of the “minor” changes in a community, changes that occur so gradually that most people are barely aware of them. For example, vacant lots are filled in, industrial interests are relocated, a small farm is sold to a real estate developer, and zoning ordinances are changed to attract more business and people.

Such changes directly affect fire spread and fire-fighting abilities. They should be taken into consideration by fire department officers when they look at recommending possible relocation. Another consideration that many volunteer fire departments fail to appreciate involves their own members. In many cases, members of a fire department find that they are unable to afford housing within the community wherein they volunteer.

This requires them to locate a community where their needs for housing can be met. Sadly this has a negative impact upon response that shows itself only slowly and over time.   It takes these folks longer to respond to the fire station from their new residence. In choosing a site for a station, this factor may play a part in where to build the station.  Let us now look at a number of the factors that go into the planning for and construction of a new station: