The Wanchai Fire Station, now classified as a Grade II historic building by the Antiquities Advisory Board, has a long, illustrious history of saving lives and putting out fires. Although it is similar to other fire stations, the sliding poles used are quite different. The station’s architectural design and style seem to have frozen in the era of World War II. As Hong Kong only specified the building specifications for fire stations after 1958, the Wanchai Fire Station’s layout is clearly different from modern fire stations. Walking through the station reveals fascinating details of historical equipment and design, such as the brass-cast sliding column and a wooden handrail staircase leading to the top floor. Despite its age, the Wanchai Fire Station has never been out of service for maintenance, and its conservation team balances updates to firefighting equipment with the preservation of historical elements. The Wanchai Fire Station’s combination of ancient and modern details reflects its continued mission to protect the public for 82 years.
As soon as the fire alarm bell rang, the firefighters hurriedly boarded the car from the slippery column and drove to the scene of the fire. This is a common scene in movies. The Wanchai Fire Station is racing against time to save lives and put out fires just like other fire stations. However, the sliding poles used in the station are quite different. The Wanchai Fire Station has just been rated as a Grade II historic building, and the only surviving brass-cast sliding column is still preserved in the bureau. Walking into the Wanchai Fire Station, all traces of time tell the long story of this building: the stairs with wooden handrails, the fireplace embedded in the wall of the lounge, etc., go back in time 82 years and return to the era of World War II.
The architectural style stays in World War II
The Wanchai Fire Station at 435 Hennessy Road is the oldest fire station in existence, the longest in use and still in use. The Antiquities and Monuments Office pointed out that the Wanchai Fire Station was once built on Thomson Road and O’Brien Road until it was rebuilt to its present location in 1941. Walking into the fire station, the architectural style and design seem to be stuck in the World War II era. Since Hong Kong only stipulated the building specifications of the fire station after 1958, the layout of the Wanchai fire station is obviously different from the standard design of the modern fire station.
For example, the brass sliding columns of the Wanchai Fire Station are different from the stainless steel sliding columns used in modern fire stations. The top part supported by the bracket is dull, while the middle part becomes smooth due to the frequent sliding friction of firefighters. The sliding columns are located on the east and west sides of the fire station. The west side is divided into 3 sections, from the 3rd floor to the 2nd floor, and from the 2nd floor to the 1st floor.
A group of firefighters took turns to demonstrate that their agility reached the ground in just a few seconds, and they explained to the reporter how to use force so as not to fall directly to the ground; That’s it!” In addition to the brass sliding columns, the wooden handrail stairs leading to the top floor, the fireplace on the wall of the lounge, and the hanging bell with the words “OASIS” engraved, time seems to be frozen in the past.
Although it has a long history, the Wanchai Fire Station has never been out of service for maintenance. Between conservation and updating of firefighting equipment, Ho Chun-peng, director of the Wanchai Fire Station, said that if maintenance or modification is necessary, he would first apply to the ArchSD and then consult the Antiquities and Monuments Office to strike a balance between action and conservation.
The installation of equipment combines ancient and modern details
In order to meet the development of the times and meet the requirements of occupational safety and health, steel plates were added to the stairs with wooden handrails, the old iron windows were converted into double-layer steel windows, the wooden gate at the main entrance was changed to an electric gate, and the fourth generation was installed on the ground floor. The TV set up for the deployment system, etc., all kinds of ancient and modern details are combined into the current Wanchai Fire Station.
Since it was opened during World War II, there are very few historical buildings that are still in active use. There is no need to rebuild or revitalize. The Wanchai Fire Station is in the bustling downtown area. The light box; the red electric gate is slowly opened, and the fire truck with the whistle is driving out, which has become a vivid and ordinary daily scene from Wanchai to Causeway Bay. The Wanchai Fire Station has been sticking to its mission of protecting the public for 82 years, saving lives and putting out fires.Reporter Liang Haoqian
The Wanchai Fire Station stands as a remarkable example of how historical buildings can continue to serve the needs of modern times. Even after 82 years, the station still retains its architectural style and equipment from the World War II era, including the brass sliding columns and wooden handrails. This building is not only a functional fire station, but also a living testimony to Hong Kong’s past. Through careful maintenance and updates, it continues to protect the public and save lives while preserving its historical significance. The Wanchai Fire Station is a true gem that highlights the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations.