Fire Prevention and Extinguishing Station (FPE)

The fire point (first-response firefighting station) is essential for fire risk management. It is typically a metal cabinet containing materials intended for first intervention in the event of a fire on site. Typical contents may include:

• Fire extinguishers in line with the applicable equipping standard,
• Red painted sheet‑metal fire buckets,
• Steel crowbars,
• Type II fire hooks (pike poles) with handle,
• Pickhead axes with handle,
• Wheeled (mobile) foam or CO₂ extinguishers.

The equipment standard for a fire point may vary depending on sector-specific regulations or the requirements specified by the designer in the technical documentation. Fire points are crucial for enabling a rapid, effective response to fire, helping minimise damage and protect lives.

Organising the fire point

Organising a fire point for a building involves several essential steps to ensure a fast and effective intervention in case of fire. Key aspects include:

Location of the fire point:

• The fire point should be placed in a visible, easily accessible location in the external area of the premises.
• It is critical to position it at an optimal distance from the building and keep it free of obstacles to ensure quick, unhindered access during an emergency.

Access to equipment:

• Although the cabinet may be equipped with a locking system, it is recommended to keep it unlocked to allow rapid access to the equipment.
• In an emergency, every second counts, and immediate availability of tools is vital.

Contents of the fire point cabinet:

• Firefighting tools: two handled fire hooks, one steel crowbar, one shovel, one spade, one pickhead axe, and one metal bucket.
• A 6 kg powder extinguisher (P6) is preferred due to its effectiveness against most fire types.
• Hydrant keys for underground hydrants, essential for securing a water source for firefighting.

Additional elements for the fire point:

• Assembly point sign: clearly indicate where people must gather in the event of an evacuation.
• Wheeled extinguishers: for larger incidents, wheeled units such as P50 or P100 models are indispensable.
• Alarm system: to alert occupants and initiate an orderly, efficient evacuation.

Available configurations of the fire point:

• Un-equipped fire point: provides only the cabinet and tool brackets; the required equipment can be added later.
• Fire point with minimal equipment: includes the cabinet and basic firefighting tools.
• Bundle: fire point + tools + sand bin — a complete option ensuring an efficient response in case of fire.