Singapore ~ Central Fire Station ~ Framed
In nineteenth-century Singapore, fire outbreaks were rampant in Singapore and were a major problem for the British Administration. This was because many houses were built using flammable materials such as wood and attap, which posed a serious fire hazard.
Early firefighting squads consisted of poorly trained men, including soldiers, convicts, and volunteers. It was only in 1888 that the first organised team of firefighters, the Singapore Fire Brigade, was established, and the first purpose-built fire station was constructed on Cross Street.
In 1904, a professional firefighter named Montague W. Pett arrived from England, and under his leadership, the poorly trained firefighting force was transformed into a modern fire brigade. He championed the building of the Central Fire Station as he believed that a modern, well-equipped fire station was necessary for a town. Construction of the new fire station commenced at the foot of Fort Canning Hill on Hill Street in 1908.
It boasted a squad of fully motorised fire trucks which effectively replaced the outdated horse-drawn engines. In addition, the fire station also provided accommodation for the firefighters. Drills and exercises could be conducted on the large parade square within the compound.
As the threat of war loomed, the British Administration formed the Auxiliary Fire Service in 1939 to strengthen the local firefighting force and to deal with any possible wartime emergencies such as air raids. The Central Fire Station’s red-and-white brickwork was painted over with camouflage paint in an attempt to conceal the building from enemy bomber pilots. Nevertheless, the fire station sustained numerous direct hits from falling bombs.
When Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942, most of the fire brigade’s European members were marched off to Changi Prison as prisoners-of-war. Those who remained in the force carried on with their duties under the direction of Victor G. Donough, who served as Superintendent at the Central Fire Station during the Japanese Occupation (1942–1945). The Central Fire Station continued to function after the war. Firefighters based in this historic fire station were involved in various national emergencies and rescue operations that hit post-war and post-independent Singapore.
The Central Fire Station is still operational today and serves an area covering the Central Business District and Chinatown.
Size 42.6 by 33.6 cm
Quality Recycled Art Paper
Mounted with Thick Art Cardboard
Wooden Frame and Glass
Description on the Back
Our framed art prints are printed on recycled uncoated speckled art paper and framed with eco-friendly wood.
About the Artist - Tay Thain Lin
Tay Thain Lin is a Singaporean artist who passionately indulges in the process of creating artworks as a means of visually communicating and documenting the urban space around him.
This Singapore Landmark paintings in his signature “ink and wash” style beautifully captures the essence and exquisite architecture.
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