Fire Station Open House

There's something universally fascinating about fire stations.

Maybe it's the gleaming red trucks, the sense of heroism, or childhood dreams of sliding down poles.

Whatever draws you in, Singapore's Fire Station Open Houses lets you go behind the scenes and experience it all first-hand.

Best of all, these enriching tours are free to the public, making it a great weekend activity for families!

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Guided tour and demonstrations

Available at 18 stations across the island, the Open Houses are 50-minute guided tours that bring you face-to-face with the tools, technology, and brave men and women that keep our communities safe.

From the historic Central Fire Station to the modern Marina Bay facility, each location offers unique insights into Singapore's emergency response infrastructure.

You'll get to see the emergency vehicles up close - not just from the outside but with detailed explanations of their capabilities. You can even climb into the vehicles to get a closer look.

The highlight for many visitors are the demos where firefighters show how quickly they can suit up in their protective equipment as well as how they respond to various emergencies.

It's impressive to watch them transform from regular uniformed personnel to fully equipped firefighters in mere moments.

You'll also have plenty of opportunities for photo taking throughout the tour.

The firefighters who guide you through the station aren't just showing off equipment – they're sharing their experiences, answering questions, and helping visitors understand the realities of their challenging profession.

Their dedication becomes apparent when you realize that tours might be cut short if an emergency call comes in, a reminder that these are active fire stations, not museums.

Civil Defence Heritage Gallery

Visitors shouldn't miss the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery, housed in the iconic red-and-white Central Fire Station along Hill Street.

This fascinating museum chronicles the evolution of firefighting in Singapore from the late 1800s to the present day.

Spread across two floors, the gallery showcases vintage firefighting equipment, historical photographs, and interactive exhibits that bring the past to life.

Visitors can marvel at antique fire engines, examine old firefighting equipment, and learn about significant fires that shaped Singapore's emergency response strategies.

The museum's location in Singapore's oldest fire station, an architectural landmark built in 1909, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.

Like the fire station open houses, admission to the gallery is free, making it a perfect complement to your fire station visit.

The museum's engaging displays help visitors understand how Singapore's Civil Defence Force has evolved from its humble beginnings into the world-class emergency service it is today.

Planning your visit

Planning your visit is straightforward.

Tours run every Saturday morning with two time slots (9am or 10am), and while walk-ins are possible, booking ahead is highly recommended, particularly for popular stations like the Central Fire Station. Walk-ins are only accepted if there are available slots.

You can make bookings on SCDF's website and bookings need to be made at 3 working days in advance.