By Everson Luhanga
- About 50 firefighters will be based at the new station, responding to fires, building collapses, hazardous materials and water rescues in the city.
- The station includes a fire engine, support vehicles, a swimming pool for training with Swim SA and a BeSafe Centre for safety education.
Johannesburg’s firefighters have a new home in the CBD after the city officially opened its Central Fire Station on Thursday.
Mayor Dada Morero led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, joined by city officials and emergency services leaders.
About 50 firefighters will work from the station, handling fires, building collapses, hazardous material and water rescues across the inner city.
The station comes with a new fire engine, support vehicles and a swimming pool for safety training in partnership with Swim SA. Children will learn how to avoid water dangers and respond to emergencies.
Emergency spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the new base was a “game changer” that would help crews respond faster and protect more lives.
The station also includes the city’s eleventh BeSafe Centre, where residents can receive fire and life safety education.
The new facility replaces the old Central Fire Station on Kruis Street, which was closed after it was declared unsafe. More than 4,000 people later hijacked and occupied the building.
“The old building was unsafe for our members. This new station gives us the tools to serve the city properly,” said Mulaudzi.
City officials said the investment would improve service delivery, speed up response times and meet the demands of a growing CBD.
Pictured above: The new Central Fire Station in Johannesburg CBD.
Image source: City of Johannesburg EMS
