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When the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista, California prepared for its spring 2025 opening, the permanent fire-protection system was still months away from completion. Yet the site was already filling with furniture and fixtures and would soon host Marriott’s “Heads to Beds” programme, bringing corporate trainers on site well before opening day. This case study shows how the WES3 temporary fire alarm safeguarded workers and early occupants, meeting strict fire-safety requirements while keeping the project on schedule.
The Challenge
By July 2024 the Mortenson | McCarthy construction team had substantially finished the building shell, but the permanent fire-protection system was not yet operational. Over the next eight to twelve months the fire load increased dramatically as beds, chairs and other combustible materials were installed. Marriott’s “Heads to Beds” programme then introduced corporate staff and trainers to the site two to three months before opening. The resort was therefore occupied and full of combustible materials without a functioning permanent fire-alarm system. The Chula Vista Fire Department needed a way to protect people and property during this high-risk period.
The WES System Worked Exceptionally Well for Our Application
The local fire department was very pleased with how it integrated into the building, especially once we hooked it up to a dialler to contact them directly. We installed 13 devices per floor across 18 floors. The setup was incredibly straightforward—so easy to program that we could install and commission an entire floor in just a few minutes. In total, hundreds of devices were programmed, installed and commissioned in just two days. It was a simple, effective and hassle-free solution. I had a great experience and would 100% use WES again.
Jacob Schwab, Mortenson | McCarthy
The Solution
The Chula Fire Prevention Team turned to Ramtech North America to deploy this fully wireless system. It provided code-compliant, 24/7 fire detection and evacuation coverage without the need for permanent power or complex cabling. Working with Ramtech, the Fire Department presented the solution to Mortenson | McCarthy, and all parties agreed it offered the most reliable protection until the permanent system came online. Ramtech installed a site-wide wireless network across more than 500,000 square feet of space, including:
- 2 WES3 Connect units for system control
- 276 Smoke Detectors
- 80 Manual Call Points
- 12 WES3 Link units for extended range
- 1 Interface Unit
- Starlink satellite connection for direct communication with the central monitoring station
The straightforward design allowed the team to install and commission each floor in minutes, ensuring full protection long before the permanent system was ready.
Project Success in Action
The WES3 temporary fire alarm gave the Chula Vista Fire Department and the project team confidence that staff, trainers and early occupants were protected during the final construction and “Heads to Beds” training period. By providing reliable, scalable fire detection and evacuation coverage, Ramtech ensured the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center opened on schedule in spring 2025, safely and without compromise.
The Gaylord Pacific project is a testament to how Ramtech’s WES3 temporary fire alarm delivers dependable life-safety protection when permanent systems are not yet in place. With its wireless mesh network, fast deployment, and proven reliability, WES3 helps construction teams, fire departments, and site managers meet the highest safety standards and keep large projects on schedule.
Photo Credit: McCarthy
For more information and to explore the benefits of our wireless safety solutions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Additionally, you can access detailed information in our WES3 brochure or our Construction brochure, providing insights into how our technology can revolutionise your construction projects while ensuring the utmost safety. We look forward to partnering with you on your journey towards safer and more successful construction ventures.