In 2018, nearly 2 million square feet of office, retail and light industrial space opened in St. Peters. This growth in economic development is expected to continue with the addition of Amazon, FedEx and more in 2019. Before the first shovel of dirt is turned on these new businesses, developers are working with officials from the CCFR Community Risk Reduction team to make them safe for the community.
“We need to ensure that these structures and the businesses operating inside of them comply with International Fire Code and local permitting requirements during construction and once they open,” explains CCFR Assistant Chief Steve Brown, who leads community risk reduction for the District.
This process includes making sure structures are safe, have the appropriate number of fire hydrants an adequate water supply and that emergency vehicles have adequate access.
“When these standards are met, we are confident that the structures and the people inside will be safe from the moment construction starts,” Brown says.
The Premier 370 development, near the District’s new fire Station #5, is expected to bring thousands of new jobs and commercial traffic to the area. It will also increase the number of businesses in the fire district.
“Once Amazon and FedEx open we will be providing fire, rescue and EMS services to over 4.5 million square feet of industrial space in the Premier 370 development alone,” Brown says.
Not only does CCFR monitor the safety of construction, review permits and conduct inspections when new businesses open, but the District also offers business safety courses including fire extinguisher training, evacuation drills and basic CPR.
CCFR’s training efforts will also help these new businesses.
“Our team is trained to handle everything from a routine medical emergency, to a hazardous materials situation or confined space rescue in addition to fighting fires,” Brown says. “We continually work on these skills to make sure we are ready for anything that comes our way.
“In the end, our goal is to work together with our business and residential community to keep everyone safe.”