The Central Fire Station at the junction between Beach Street and Chulia Street Ghaut has been serving as the main fire station in the heart of George Town since 1909.
The Central Fire Station at the junction between Beach Street and Chulia Street Ghaut, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as the main fire station in the city centre. Completed in 1909, it was the first on Penang Island to be run by dedicated fire-fighters.
The building features a mix of different architectural styles; its Classical-style façade merges with its Mughal-styled four storey tower with hints of Edwardian influences.
History[]
The northern side of the Central Fire Station as seen from Chulia Street Ghaut. The four-storey tower is set towards the rear of the building.
Prior to the construction of the Central Fire Station, there was not a single dedicated fire squadron on Penang Island. Policemen in George Town often had to double up as fire-fighters when the need arose.
The fire station was constructed in 1908 and opened in the following year. Concurrently, another fire station was built at Penang Road.
Both fire stations were the first on Penang Island to be staffed by full-time trained fire-fighters. In particular, the Central Fire Station was manned by a fire brigade of 28 trained men.
The building is one of the several fine, classic examples of civic architecture within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a Classical-style façade, lined with double-storey pilasters, above the rusticated columns at the front entrance facing Beach Street. However, the most imposing structure is its four-storey tower, designed in a mix of Mughal and Edwardian styles.
To this day, the Central Fire Station serves as the major fire station within the heart of George Town.
Street Art[]
Cats Walking for Animal Awareness mural
A feline-themed street mural named Cats Walking for Animal Awareness has been painted at the southern side of the Central Fire Station (along the back lane between Beach Street and Victoria Street). Created in 2013, the mural aims to raise awareness about stray animals in George Town.
Emergency Phone Numbers[]
Dial 994 in case of a fire.
Alternatively, the Central Fire Station can be reached at +60-4 261 4444.
Political Representation[]
Penang State Government[]
N.27 Pengkalan Kota State Assemblyman : Lau Keng Ee (Democratic Action Party)
Malaysian Federal Parliament[]
P.049 Tanjong Member of Parliament : Ng Wei Aik (Democratic Action Party)
References[]
- Hockton, K., Howard Tan, 2012. Penang : An Inside Guide to Its Historic Homes, Buildings, Monuments and Parks. MPH Group, Kuala Lumpur.
- Khoo S.N., 2007. Streets of George Town, Penang. Areca Books.
- http://www.penang-traveltips.com/beach-street-fire-station.htm