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24 July 2026
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Fire stations of the world: Yachats Fire Station 82: A modern hub for emergency response on the Oregon Coast, Oregon, US
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Yachats Fire Station 82 is strategically positioned on Highway 101, the primary transportation corridor along the Oregon Coast. Yachats lives up to its motto of being a “gem of the Oregon Coast.” While the area is known for its rugged beauty, the Pacific Ocean also poses a potential threat to the charming little town. With its old station located well within the tsunami inundation zone, Yachats Rural Protection District acquired land out of the danger area and turned to Pivot Architecture to lead them through a bond process to build a new station. After developing a strategy for the successful bond measure and facilitating public meetings, Pivot led the design of the new station capable of withstanding a major tsunami. Station 82 is strategically positioned on Highway 101, the primary transportation corridor along the Oregon Coast.
For the design, Pivot led the Yachats Rural Protection District board, firefighters and design team to verify the project’s basic parameters. The primary goal was to provide tsunami and earthquake resiliency on the new site which provided unique challenges; a significant portion of a hill needed to be excavated and bolstered and a creek needed to be relocated. In addition, to provide resiliency, extensive pilings were added to the foundation to secure it in bedrock.
Another key design goal was one of frugality creating a residential feel to the station since it is a hub for the community. At the old station, they sold duck eggs to anyone who walked into the app bay so they wanted to keep that “always welcome” character.
Designed for modern fire and EMS operations
The new station was designed to support today's diverse emergency response mission. Firefighters now respond not only to structure fires but also to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues and wildfire events.
Key features include:
The facility was carefully planned to improve workflow, reduce response times and create safer working conditions for personnel.
The new facility provides a functional station that serves both firefighters and the community, channelling the unmistakable energy and charm of this remarkable town on the Oregon Coast.
Sources: Pivot Architecture, Landis Consulting
For the design, Pivot led the Yachats Rural Protection District board, firefighters and design team to verify the project’s basic parameters. The primary goal was to provide tsunami and earthquake resiliency on the new site which provided unique challenges; a significant portion of a hill needed to be excavated and bolstered and a creek needed to be relocated. In addition, to provide resiliency, extensive pilings were added to the foundation to secure it in bedrock.
Another key design goal was one of frugality creating a residential feel to the station since it is a hub for the community. At the old station, they sold duck eggs to anyone who walked into the app bay so they wanted to keep that “always welcome” character.
Designed for modern fire and EMS operations
The new station was designed to support today's diverse emergency response mission. Firefighters now respond not only to structure fires but also to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues and wildfire events.
Key features include:
- Spacious apparatus bays for modern fire engines and emergency vehicles
- Improved storage for firefighting equipment
- Administrative offices
- Training and meeting spaces
- Living quarters for firefighters
- Enhanced operational support areas
The facility was carefully planned to improve workflow, reduce response times and create safer working conditions for personnel.
The new facility provides a functional station that serves both firefighters and the community, channelling the unmistakable energy and charm of this remarkable town on the Oregon Coast.
Sources: Pivot Architecture, Landis Consulting
