Old Bassendean fire station heritage listed

• Former Bassendean Fire Station entered in State Register of Heritage Places
• Strong community support for its retention and reuse

Bassendean's trailblazing fire brigade has been celebrated with the State heritage listing of its first and only purpose-built fire station, Heritage Minister Albert Jacob announced today.

"Bassendean earned a reputation as one of the most successful competitive volunteer firefighting brigades in WA, winning State and Australian championships on multiple occasions," Mr Jacob said.

"When the station closed in 2013, it was full of trophies, medals, plaques and photographs celebrating more than 100 years of the brigade's achievements."

The brigade was set up in 1911 and operated out of the old Roads Board building near the present day Bassendean Oval. Then known as West Guildford Fire Brigade, it changed its name in 1922 when West Guildford was renamed Bassendean.

In 1934, a new fire station was built for the brigade on donated land in Parker Street. The land was the highest point in Bassendean, giving the firefighters a good view of any fire.

At its opening ceremony, the Minister in Charge of Fire Brigades highlighted the brigade's fine record in inter-brigade contests, and recalled that on one occasion the Bassendean brigade had won every single event on the program.

The brigade was a huge part of the local community, often hosting fundraisers, dances and dinners at the station building. In 1935, the brigade made headlines when it held a mock wedding to raise money, with the firemen dressing up as the bride and bridesmaids and women dressing up as the groom and groomsmen.

In 1969, the building was altered to accommodate permanent firefighters for the first time.

The heritage listing came after the Department of Fire and Emergency Services relocated services to Kiara, and closed Bassendean Fire Station in 2013.

"The Bassendean community have been a strong supporter of the heritage listing of the station, and ideas about the possible reuse of the building already have locals interested," the Minister said.

Fact File

• For more information, visit http://www.stateheritage.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 6552 5800