A New Fire Station Will Appear in Kengarags, Riga 0 19

The total area of the facility, including reconstruction and new construction, will be 6,992.46 square meters, with a canopy for light service vehicles covering an area of 265 square meters. Currently, the site contains two- and five-story buildings that were previously used for various purposes — a training college for the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), offices, and a depot. As part of the project, their functions will be reconfigured.

These buildings will house technical services, warehouses, and repair workshops, while the upper floors of the five-story building will feature a service hotel for SFRS employees. This solution will allow for the consolidation of all infrastructure in one location — from operational units to staff relaxation areas.

The main element of the project will be a new building fully adapted to the needs of the SFRS. It will include a repair section for various vehicles and an operational depot with quick response capabilities. A large repair block is planned, where a full cycle of technical maintenance can be conducted — tire replacement, welding, body repair, and painting. The building will have repair pits, hoists, and even a hatch measuring 3×6 meters for inspecting fire trucks.

Separate rooms will be designated for servicing fireboats and vessels, including cleaning and repairing equipment. Thus, the depot will be able to service all VUGD transport, including rescue equipment on water. The architecture of the complex will be concise and functional, with elements reflecting the identity of the service. A decorative element with the inscription "112" — the emergency service number symbolizing safety and readiness — is planned for the facade facing Kengaraga Street.

Project manager of SEP, Rebekah Eva Alksne, notes that finding a balance between functionality and emotional expressiveness was important in the design: "We aimed to create a building that not only meets the operational needs of VUGD but also embodies a sense of security and readiness. Every element — from multi-level solutions to the restoration of the tower — has been carefully considered with the daily work of firefighters in mind."

The existing historical tower will be preserved and restored — it will again be used for drying fire hoses while serving as a visual connecting element between parts of the complex. One of the main challenges was coordinating the levels of the buildings, as the old structures and the new construction are at different heights. This has been resolved with ramps, stairs, and descent pipes ensuring continuous operational movement.

The territory is designed with two internal courtyards — a ceremonial one with the main entrance and garages, and a service one with relaxation areas and sports equipment for training. Rubber surfacing is planned between the buildings to provide natural lighting for workspaces. SEP's commercial director, Oleg Umansky, emphasized: "This project requires not only technical precision but also systemic thinking. We had to understand the logic of the service's operations down to the details — from vehicle movement to the comfort of people. We take pride in participating in the creation of a facility that strengthens the infrastructure of national security."

Particular attention is paid to preserving green spaces. A tree survey has been conducted to minimize the impact of construction on the environment.

A complete modernization of engineering networks — heating, electricity, water supply, and sewage — is planned, ensuring the durability and efficiency of the complex.

The project manager of the State Supply Agency, Jana Miltiņa, noted: "The goal of the project is to create an environment that ensures the full readiness of the SFRS to respond to fires, rescue operations, and traffic accidents. The new base in Kengarags will combine the depot, workshops, and logistics, making the service's work faster and more efficient.