This National Monument Doubles As Singapore’s Oldest Active Fire Station
What is a National Monument? Who gazettes them? How many national monuments are there in Singapore? To date, the Preservation of Sites and Monuments, a division of National Heritage Board, has identified and gazetted 75 buildings, structures and sites of national significance as an integral part of Singapore’s built heritage.
And we're here to tell you all about them - one National Monument at a time!
You've probably passed by or stepped into more than a few of them without realising they were National Monuments: Al-Abrar Mosque, Asian Civilisations Museum, the Civilian War Memorial, Saint Andrew's Cathedral, the Esplanade Park Memorials, Fort Siloso on Sentosa - no need to plan an itinerary for friends visiting from overseas; just show them this article ✌️
In this edition, we zoom in on the oldest surviving fire station on our Little Red Dot, the Central Fire Station.
📍 Location
The Central Fire Station was the 41st building to be gazetted as a National Monument. Located near other National Monuments such as the Old Hill Street Police Station and the Armenian Church, the MRT station nearest to the Central Fire Station is City Hall.
📅 Significant dates
Date built: 1908-1909
Milestones:
- 1926: A three-storey extension with married quarters was added
- 1942-1945: Continued operations throughout the Japanese Occupation
- 1954: Another extension was built at the back of the station
- 2001: The Civil Heritage Defence Gallery was opened to the public
Date gazetted: 18 Dec 1998
📜 History
During the 19th century, fire outbreaks were rife in Singapore and posed a serious challenge to the British Administration. This was largely because many homes were constructed from highly flammable materials such as wood and attap, and their close clustering meant that flames could spread with alarming speed.
At the time, the town relied only on a handful of small, makeshift fire stations. Their firefighting squads were poorly trained and comprised a mix of soldiers, convicts, and volunteers.
It was not until 1888 that Singapore saw the formation of its first organised firefighting unit, the Singapore Fire Brigade, and in 1891 its first purpose-built station was erected along Cross Street. G. P. Owen, who was then Secretary of the Singapore Cricket Club, became the brigade’s founding superintendent.
In 1904, Montague W. Pett, a professional firefighter from England, succeeded Owen. Pett transformed the force from a largely untrained outfit into a modern and disciplined brigade. He also pressed for the creation of a new, fully equipped fire station to meet the needs of a growing town.
Construction of the Central Fire Station began in 1908 at the foot of Fort Canning Hill on Hill Street, and the building was completed the following year. It was the first in Singapore to house a fleet of fully motorised fire engines, replacing the outdated horse-drawn carts. These new vehicles, supplied by the renowned London manufacturer Merryweathers & Sons, significantly boosted the brigade’s speed and efficiency in responding to emergencies.
The station also included accommodation for firefighters, with drills and exercises conducted on a spacious parade square within the compound.
IMAGE: NG KAI
With the looming threat of conflict in 1939, the British Administration established the Auxiliary Fire Service to bolster manpower and prepare for wartime emergencies such as air raids. The Central Fire Station’s iconic red-and-white façade was camouflaged in an attempt to avoid enemy detection, but the building nonetheless suffered direct hits during bombing raids.
After the fall of Singapore in 1942, most of the brigade’s European personnel were sent to Changi Prison as prisoners-of-war. The remaining members continued their duties under Victor G. Donough, who served as Superintendent during the Japanese Occupation (1942–1945).
Despite these upheavals, the Central Fire Station remained in operation after the war and continues to serve Singapore today. Over the decades, its firefighters have been at the forefront of some of the nation’s most devastating crises, from the Bukit Ho Swee fire in 1961 to the Hotel New World collapse in 1986.
IMAGE: NG KAI
📐 Design and architecture
Designed by William Ferguson, the building’s striking red-and-white rusticated façade is a hallmark of what is often referred to as “blood-and-bandage” architecture. At the Central Fire Station, this style takes on a fitting symbolism, echoing the firefighters’ mission to protect and save lives.
Here, the “blood” is represented by the exposed red brickwork, while the “bandage” refers to the white-painted plaster layers. This architectural approach was especially popular during the Edwardian era (1901–1910).
IMAGE: NG KAI
Among the station’s most eye-catching features is its 34-metre lookout tower, once manned round-the-clock by a fireman keeping watch for outbreaks nearby. In fact, during the 1920s, it was the tallest point in Singapore.
Other distinctive elements include twin cupolas (rounded domes adorning a roof) perched on either side of the structure, and a triangular pediment (the upper part of the front of a classical building) at the centre emblazoned with the Singapore Fire Brigade’s monogram. Behind the row of vivid red shutter doors, fire engines and rescue vehicles remain ever-ready for deployment.
IMAGE: NG KAI
Step into Singapore's firefighting story
Although the Central Fire Station itself is not open to the public, visitors can still explore its legacy through guided tours at the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery (CDHG) right next door.
The gallery traces the evolution of civil defence in Singapore, showcasing antique fire engines, vintage equipment, and hands-on exhibits that offer a glimpse into the challenges faced by firefighters and rescuers on duty. For those keen on a more immersive experience, the tour even includes the opportunity to climb the historic lookout tower.
Walk-ins are available at the CDHG, but an online booking is required for a guided tour.
🕖 Opening hours
Regular visiting hours for the CDHG located beside the Central Fire Station are from 10am to 5pm daily. Closed on Mondays.
🎟️ Admission
Entry to the CDHG is free. Find out more here.
Too lazy to travel out? Step inside (virtually) the CDHG using this link.
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