The new Central Fire Station is moving swiftly towards completion and will soon be ready to serve and rescue residents and workers in the inner city’s high-rise buildings.

The Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) and the Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) embarked on the development of the new Central Fire Station in 2021. The project currently stands at 80% completion, with only the finishing touches left to do. 

EMS Acting Chief Andries Mucavele says the Department of Labour condemned the old fire station building for non-compliance. That created a need for a new and compliant fire station that is able to serve the Johannesburg central business district and surrounds. 

Mucavele says the new station raises the bar for current and planned stations. He adds that the total cost of the project is R71 148 100 and the project is running on schedule. “The fire station will have multi-disciplinary functions as an integrated facility with fire fighters, a specialised urban search and rescue team, a Public Information, Education and Relations officer to manage the BeSafe Centre, fire inspectors as well as JMPD,” says Mucavele. 

Site manager Kagiso Kepi says the building phase has all been finalised with only a few final tasks to complete before the station becomes operational in about three months. 

He says that the station will boast many firsts. The structure was built using a contemporary design, incorporating soft and hard roofs, with durable clay face brick and minimal plastered feature walls. Water-proofing material has been used, which is designed with specific requirements to prime and seal and protect the structure from leakage between the slabs. 

Kepi says that there are many large aluminium doors and windows on the premises built with 6mm safety glass for protection from sunlight. “The windows are all facing west and as a result the protective glass was used to avoid sunset light from disturbing working and activities taking place on the inside.” 

Other features of the new Central Fire station include being able to accommodate about five fire engines, an admin block with two boardrooms, male and female toilets, a lecture room and about six office spaces. 

Kepi notes that other details include the swimming pool, and entertainment area that will be available at the station at a later date. 

Mucavele adds that the BeSafe centre, also known as an exhibition centre, will be used for training and other purposes. This structure holds about five more office spaces, a boardroom and another lecture room with toilets. 

“We have ensured that the facility will be fully fledged and well equipped to function as needed with a training tower, washing bay, designated storage area for all equipment, a gym and change rooms,” he says. 

Once the new Central Fire station on the corner of Joubert and Albert streets, Marshalltown, becomes operational, about 40 staff members will be stationed there. 

 

Issued by the City of Johannesburg