Central Fire Station & Civil Defence Heritage Gallery | Singapore Purple Travel Guide

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Standing as a vibrant sentinel in the Civic District, the Central Fire Station is the oldest surviving fire station in Singapore. With its iconic red-and-white facade, it is not just a masterpiece of Edwardian architecture but a living monument to the city's resilience. While it remains a fully operational station today, it also houses a world-class heritage gallery that invites you to step into the boots of Singapore’s first responders.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Why You Should Visit

This is a rare opportunity to see a National Monument that still functions in its original capacity. It offers a perfect blend of history, heroic storytelling, and ‘Instagrammable’ architecture. Whether you are a history enthusiast or traveling with curious minds, the station provides a deep, interactive look at how Singapore protects its citizens from fire and disaster.

What is Special About It?

• The ‘Blood and Bandage’ Design: The station is famous for its ‘exposed brick and white plaster’ look, a popular Edwardian style that earned it its vivid nickname.
• The 30-Meter Lookout Tower: Before the age of sensors and satellites, a firefighter stood atop this tower 24 hours a day to spot smoke rising above the city's low-rise shophouses.
• Operational Heritage: It is one of the few places where you can see modern, high-tech emergency vehicles parked inside a building that was originally designed for horse-drawn carts.

History and Facts

• Built in 1908: The station was commissioned to replace smaller, makeshift stations that were struggling to keep up with the city's rapid growth.
• Montague Pett: The station's modernization was led by the legendary Montague Pett, Singapore's first professional fire chief, who replaced horses with motorized fire engines.
• Camouflage in WWII: During the Japanese occupation, the bright red-and-white bricks were actually painted over with dull green paint to hide the building from enemy bombers.
• National Monument: It was officially gazetted as a protected National Monument in 1998, ensuring its legacy remains untouched by modern development.

Self-Guided Information

Traveler Tip

If you visit during the Saturday Morning Open House, you can watch the firefighters perform a ‘live’ demonstration of sliding down the brass poles and donning their heavy gear. You may even get the chance to sit in a real fire engine for a photo! Because this is a working station, remember to stay within the designated visitor areas and listen for sirens—the crew may need to deploy for a real emergency at any moment.

To secure your spot for the Saturday Morning Open House at the Central Fire Station, you should use the official booking system provided by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

Online Registration Details

While walk-ins are sometimes allowed depending on the crowd size, online booking is highly recommended for the Central Fire Station because it is the most popular location in the city.

• Official Booking Link: SCDF Fire Station Open House Registration
• Time Slots: You can choose between two sessions every Saturday:
• Slot 1: 9:00 AM – 9:50 AM
• Slot 2: 10:00 AM – 10:50 AM
• Deadline: You must submit your booking at least 3 working days in advance of your visit.

Important Notes for Your Booking

• Group Size: Each registration is typically for a small group. If you are traveling as a pair or a small family, one person can register for the whole group.
• Confirmation: After you submit the form, keep an eye on your email. You will receive a confirmation within one to two working days. You will need to show this email (digital or printed) at the sentry post when you arrive.
• Availability: Because this is an active emergency station, the Open House may be cancelled or shortened if the crew is called out for an emergency. This is rare, but it is part of the authentic experience!

Updated Day 2 Logistics Tip

If you choose the 9:00 AM slot, you will finish just as the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery opens at 10:00 AM. This is the most efficient way to see both the active station and the museum without any waiting time.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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