Central Fire Station closure – plans underway for new station
Central Fire Station was built in 1906 and is therefore an important heritage site.
THE City of Johannesburg would be very little without its Emergency Management Services (EMS).
These are firefighters and paramedics who work hard and put their own lives on the line to ensure the safety of the residents. That’s why they need to be protected while on the job.
For these reasons, on November 15, following an inspection by the Department of Labour, the city took the difficult decision of closing down the inner city’s historic Central Fire Station. This was done in the interest of the safety of the firefighters and staff members operating from the station.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety, Michael Sun, assures residents that this will not affect service delivery and their safety will not be compromised. Personnel have been redeployed to the nearby Fairview Fire Station, which is still in District Three.
“Employee safety and well-being are always very important to us. We will not compromise the safety of our residents and employees. Although it’s sad to see the closing of Central Fire Station, we have plans to revamp it into a Firemen Museum as it is rich in history. We should use it to commemorate the brave firefighters who have served the City of Johannesburg,” MMC Sun said.
Central Fire Station was built in 1906 and is, therefore, an important heritage site. But it is, unfortunately, becoming difficult to maintain as an operating fire station that can be used to adequately help service the needs in the inner city of Johannesburg.
Prior to the closing of this fire station, the Department of Public Safety has already embarked on the building of a new central fire station still within the inner city with the design plan approved and geotechnical study completed. Due to its proximity to an old mine shaft, the department now awaits comment and approval by the national Department of Mineral Resources.
The site for the new station is ideal because of its size and because of how close it is to various major road links. The Department of Public Safety is planning to break ground on the new station before June 2019.
“Again, we want to assure our residents, especially in the inner city, that the closing of the Central Fire Station will not affect the level of service as District Three remains fully operational and is ready to respond to any emergency calls,” Sun said.
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