When plans were underway for the new Hawke’s Bay Airport Rescue Fire Station, the need for a reliable vehicle exhaust fume extraction system was clear. Emergency response vehicles operate frequently within enclosed spaces, making effective exhaust capture essential for protecting the health and safety of crews.
AtSource was approached by Jacksons Engineering to assist with the system design, product selection, and structural support advice for the new station. The brief was simple but critical: deliver a robust, efficient solution capable of performing in a demanding, high-use environment — while allowing for future expansion as operational needs evolve.
The Challenge: High-Performance Requirements in a Demanding Environment
Airport fire stations place unique demands on exhaust extraction systems. Vehicles must be ready to move at a moment’s notice, systems need to operate reliably under frequent use, and installations must integrate seamlessly with the building design.
During commissioning, a minor but important challenge emerged. A miscalculation resulted in the overhead rail system being positioned slightly too close for comfort when a fire appliance entered the bay. Recognising the potential safety implications, AtSource coordinated a prompt return visit to raise the rails, restoring safe operating clearances and resolving the issue quickly and effectively with no operational delays.
The Solution: Engineered for Reliability and Future Growth
The final solution was designed to deliver strong capture performance while remaining flexible for future station requirements. AtSource worked closely with project partners, including Mill Electrical and TW Construction, to ensure the installation was both functional and visually well-executed.
The system included:
- 2 × VSS Vertical Stack Systems with 12.5m overhead rail lengths
- Tailpipe adaptors for secure exhaust capture
- N40 fan with 2.2kW motor for reliable airflow
- Vertical discharge JetCowl
- Custom automatic control system
- Configuration allowing for future expansion
This setup ensures exhaust fumes are effectively captured and discharged, helping maintain clean air and a safer environment within the vehicle bays during daily operations.
A Trusted Partner for Emergency Services
AtSource is the leading supplier of vehicle exhaust fume extraction systems to most airport fire stations across New Zealand, with installations also operating throughout the Pacific. Some of our emergency services systems have been in place for over 20 years, continuing to perform reliably in harsh, high-demand environments.
The Hawke’s Bay Airport Rescue Fire Station project is another example of AtSource delivering practical, long-term solutions — quietly doing their job, day in and day out, where reliability matters most.