Lightning bolt will flash during alarms at Aurora Fire Station No. 9

An artist's rendition of a sculpture planned for Aurora Fire Station No. 9.Photo byCity of Aurora

AURORA, Colo. -- Aurora Fire Station No. 9, which soon will be demolished and rebuilt at its current location on Mexico Avenue, will feature an interactive artwork wired to the station’s alarm.

The sculpture resembles a super hero’s shield. It is comprised of a map of the fire station’s service area with a lightning bolt piercing the three-dimensional object. When the alarm sounds, the lightning bolt changes to red. Aurora Art in Public Places Director Roberta Bloom said the project will cost about $66,000. The PR, Communications, Tourism and Libraries Committee approved the expenditure Wednesday. It still needs approval from the full council.

The new fire station will open in fall 2025. The city is using American Rescue Plan Act funding to help pay for the $9 million project.

Inspired by the work of firefighters

Denver artist Michael Clapper created the piece, Bloom said. It is inspired by the Maltese Cross, the international symbol of the firefighter, she added. Station 9’s logo is the lightning bolt because it is located near Lightning Hill, she said.

“The lightning bolt will be lit from within, and the intent is that when an alarm signals, the light will change from white to red and it will pulse down the lightning bolt," Bloom told the committee. “Now, Emma Watson has advised us that, you know, this is the plan, she hasn’t guaranteed that it’s doable, but they’re working on it. Michael Clapper, the artist, said he has done similar effects at other fire stations.”

Like a super hero's shield

The artwork will be 10 feet tall, 11 feet wide, and three feet deep, Bloom said. It will rest on a concrete platform.

“I love the strong identification with the symbols that are important to the firefighters,” council member Alison Coombs said. She called it “a lovely and interesting piece.”

“It looks like (a super hero's) shield, that’s the image that pops into my head,” said committee chair Crystal Murillo.