NAFEESA SYEED
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - D.C. fire officials say they are creating the first "green roof" at a fire station in the city.

D.C. fire and EMS department spokesman Pete Piringer says crews are installing the dirt roof at the Engine 6 station on New Jersey Avenue in northwest Washington. Piringer says grass and other plants will grow on the specially designed roof, which will collect runoff rain water and provide insulation.

Piringer says the project is expected to be complete this week.

He says as the department renovates its aging fire stations, it is making them more environmentally friendly. Other initiatives include replacing windows, lights and doors at stations with more efficient equipment.

Piringer says future plans also call for geothermal air conditioning systems at some stations.

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