Boulder Fire Station (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The building makes a contribution to the streetscape of Burt Street in its location at the street alignment with its heavy masonry shell and its classical motifs.

Physical Description

A single-storey building built to the street alignment of Burt Street. The parapet, which conceals the roof behind, is decorated with a central pediment and classical motifs. Openings on the facade are large, elliptical arched head windows, divided into smaller panes, with decorative keystones.

The entrance canopy and awnings are additions. Interior not inspected.

History

The Insurance Plans for Boulder c. 1900 illustrate that Lot 312 (illustrated also as Reserve 8122) was the Boulder Fire Station (a brick building) with an iron outbuilding.

"The first fire fighting service in Boulder was conducted by volunteers with buckets and axes. A reticulated water supply later became possible by using a small diameter salt water main with stand pipes from a well at the rear of the electrical light station.

Once the water arrived at Mt Charlotte from Mundaring Weir in 1903, it was time for a new fire station. Completed in 1904, it was built of brick and stone. J. Frazer was superintendent in charge of the station and was responsible for the erection of the watchtower. Frazer's successor, C. Neiland was the first paid superintendent and Tom Pell was the first paid keeper.

The Brigade was very active with 20 to 30 volunteers and won many titles including the state championships in 1908. When the WA Fire Brigade Act became law in 1910 all state municipal brigades came under the administration of the Fire Brigade Board, permanent staff replaced volunteers and in 1915 horses were made redundant when the brigade became motorised.

The new fire station between the towns of Kalgoorlie and Boulder in 1971 meant the end of local stations in both towns and the equipment was moved to the central station. The Fire Brigade tower has been dismantled" (Boulder's Hidden Secrets, 1993).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate to Low
Authenticity: Moderate (exterior)

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.