The City of Ames Fire Department has not conducted a formal review of station locations and response times since 1984. The purpose of this research was to analyze current response times and make recommendations if the present two station locations were insufficient to provide adequate emergency fire suppression services. Historical and action research methods were employed to answer the following questions: 1. Are there regulations, standards, and fire service hazards that define or dictate response times? 2. Do Ames' present two-station scenario and current sites adequately serve the community? 3. Could an additional third or fourth station improve the delivery of fire suppression services? 4. Are there potential partners for fire station site and expense sharing? The literature review found nationally accepted guidelines for five-minute emergency response times.Increased use of synthetic products has reduced the time necessary for a structure to reach flashover. As a result of increased fuel loads, truss systems used in most structures are exposed to higher temperatures earlier in the fire's progression. The use of truss systems has the potential for rapid failure of floor and roof systems trapping occupants and responders. Interviews, a review of the Land Use Policy Plan, and analysis of National Fire Incident Reporting System data project continuing growth in population, emergency calls, and acres within Ames' city boudaries. Results of the Geographic Information System analysis of five scenarios highlight deficiencies in the current two station-response capabilities. Geographic Information System analysis of current city limits and projected growth areas by the year 2015 show a decline from 78% adequate coverage to 68% in 17 years.Recommendations include first proceeding with additional research to find three new specific station locations, second, retain current station #1, and third, establishing a total of four stations. Dialogues with identified site-sharing partners should be initiated.