When selecting a site for a fire station, several critical factors must be considered. Foremost among these is the road network of the town. The station must be easily accessible from all areas, particularly high-risk zones. Ideally, it should be situated near the town centre, along a main road, but away from areas of heavy traffic. If possible, it should also lie between the hospital and the area where the bulk of the population resides.

In Krugersdorp, the process of identifying and eliminating potential sites was a lengthy one, extending over several years. This followed the decision to build a dedicated fire station, as the Town Hall – which had housed the fire department and the library – had become too small by the early 1930s.

The site eventually selected was at the eastern end of Commissioner Street, where this road, via a swan-neck bend, once joined Coronation Road – both parts of the Main Reef Road. The land had originally been an appendix to Coronation Park, but due to its narrow shape and dense stand of old blue gum trees, it was unsuitable for garden development. (This was before any plans existed to widen and extend the road that would later become Paardekraal Drive)

By constructing the fire station on this site and redesigning the surrounding area, several key town-planning improvements were achieved:

• A site ideally suited for a fire station was created.
• Traffic conditions improved with the extension of Commissioner Street beyond the old Coronation Park gates. After passing the fire station on the north side, the road rejoined Coronation Road via a gentle curve.
• A dignified visual approach to Commissioner Street was established, enhanced by the formal landscaping and the stately trees in the background.
• A monumental entrance to Coronation Park – then regarded as one of the most beautiful parks in the country – was constructed further east.
• The fire station itself became an imposing and original architectural feature, befitting its prominent location.

Site Plan of Krugersdorp Fire Station - Sourced by Jaco Mattheyse.jpg

Site Plan

Krugersdorp Fire Station - Sourced by Jaco Mattheyse.jpg

An Architectural Landmark

The design of the fire station thoughtfully addressed its dual function: the coordination of fire-fighting and ambulance services. Two separate but equally-sized garages were provided – one for fire engines and one for ambulances – arranged so that the operations of the two services would not interfere with each other. Separate entrances and exits were created for each.

The control room on the ground floor was strategically positioned so that the person on duty, behind a soundproof counter, could oversee the entire station. From this point, they had full visibility of the main entrance, the receiving room, the staircase to the upper level, and the engine and ambulance bays at either end of the curved watchroom. This ensured the duty officer was truly at the heart of the station.

The interior layout also reflected the need for rapid response to emergencies. Features such as a circular staircase, semi-circular corridors, and wide doorways helped to eliminate obstructions and facilitate quick movement during alarms. The ground floor also included various offices and utility rooms.

Upstairs, the first floor housed a recreation room, mess room, and reading room, along with single men’s quarters. A collapsible glazed partition separated the mess and recreation rooms, allowing them to be combined into a single large space for social events or lectures. Additional rooms and a drill terrace were also planned on the upper floor, with a drill tower to be erected later behind the station.

The enclosed yard was paved and drained to a sump, allowing it to be used for pump training exercises. East of the station, but within the same block, cottages were built for brigade officers. These faced the now-vanished extension of Commissioner Street. With their attractive surroundings and nearby (now abandoned) sports facilities, the station was seen as an ideal place for firefighters to live and work.

The plans were prepared by the Town Engineer’s Department under Mr A.S. Posthumus. Mr S.J. Eloff was the general contractor for the buildings. The estimated total cost of the project was approximately £15,000 – around R30,269,437.29 in today’s terms.

The building still serves its original purpose, though some alterations have been made, such as the bricking up of the Commissioner Street-facing doors. It has also recently been repainted.

Krugersdorp Fire Station - Sketch of Front Elevations - Sourced by Jaco Mattheyse.jpg

Front Elevation

Born and raised in Krugersdorp, Jaco Mattheyse has deep roots in the region, with his family's history stretching back to the 1870s in the shadows of the Magaliesberg. A passionate History teacher at St Ursula's High School for over a decade, Jaco also serves as curator of the St Ursula's Museum, Art Gallery and Research Center. His dedication to preserving local heritage extends to his role as co-founder of the Krugersdorp Heritage Association. Jaco's lifelong connection to the area fuels his commitment to documenting and sharing the rich history of his hometown.