Today, the central fire station houses the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Fire Brigade's successor, with its state-of-the-art fire-fighting equipment.
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Throughout the 19th century serious fires were frequent occurrences. Once started, they spread quickly through narrow streets and crowded houses causing massive devastation to property and serious loss of life. Although three fire stations were built in 1888 at Cross Street, Hill Street and Beach Road, but they were insufficiently equipped to deal with the situation.
In 1905, the Municipal Authorities employed Montague Pett as Superintendent to reorganise the Singapore Fire Brigade. One of his first moves was to recommend the construction of a modern central fire station. The design included garage space for the first motorised fire engines, staff quarters, a host of time-saving devices and a watch tower.
The Central Fire Station was opened in 1909. Improved equipment and an increase in the fire brigade staff led to a substantial decrease in the number and scale of fires in the crowded town area. Today, this historic urban landmark is Singapore’s oldest existing fire station. The station provides fire-fighting, ambulance and rescue coverage for the Central District.
The oldest part of the building has been converted into a Civil Defence Heritage Gallery by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (the Fire Brigade’s successor) to showcase the advances and changes that have taken place in the realm of fire fighting and civil defence in Singapore.