As volunteer and combination fire departments adapt to evolving staffing models, increasing service demands and stricter health and safety standards, the design of rural and small-town fire stations is facing greater scrutiny than ever. Departments must now meet modern operational requirements within limited and often community-constrained budgets. This session will explore how small and rural communities can effectively right-size their fire stations—through renovation, expansion or new construction—to align with contemporary standards, while remaining adaptable for the future. Using case studies, attendees will learn how to scale this approach for smaller stations without compromising functionality. Attendees will also explore strategies for incorporating flexible spaces that can evolve alongside changes in department structure, such as shifts from all-volunteer to combination staffing models. The session will provide actionable insights into balancing health and safety goals with operational constraints. We will also address the significant challenge of securing community consensus and funding approval.