Celebrating 120 years this June, the Orange Fire Station in Summer Street holds the distinction of being the oldest still-in-use regional fire station in NSW.

Built in 1904, at a cost of £550, the substantial brick fire station that stands today replaced the local brigade's former home, a wooden shed in Anson Street that was well past its prime.

It was in 1868 that first real steps towards forming a fire brigade in Orange were taken although the lack of a proper fire-fighting appliance for the growing city had been noted for some time.

In November, 1861, the Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal reported on the need for lightning rods on buildings following a severe storm in Orange.

“The stone building used as a Catholic Church, occupying the most elevated point in Orange, was struck by lightning at the same moment that the tall ladder was shivered to atoms at Mr B. Nelson's new mill, a distance of some 200 yards apart,” wrote the correspondent.

“The electric fluid appears to have committed some strange gyrations in its transit to the earth, splintering wood, shattering bricks and detaching mortar in a most extraordinary manner… a resident of the town narrowly escaped injury whilst in the act of driving a horse and cart across the parallel line of the two buildings, and who states that "the fire" appeared on both at the same instant. There cannot be a doubt that had the fluid struck any other house less substantial than the chapel, the consequences would have been more serious,” continues the report.

“In passing, I must not omit a strange deficiency in this town, and which I drew attention to some years ago — I allude to the want of a fire-engine. We have lots of insured houses — some of considerable value — with no means but the primitive ‘bucket’ to arrest the ravages of the devouring element; and I think a volunteer fire-brigade could be easily raised and supported by the inhabitants.”

The writer was more prescient than they knew. In November, 1868, a devastating fire broke out at the Nelson Brothers warehouse, neighbouring the mill mentioned above.

Through heroic efforts of the townsfolk, the fire was stopped from spreading, but nothing could be done to save the large store and its contents.

“To those assembled the fact of not being able to render any assistance, and having calmly to witness the destruction of the store, was indeed, heart rending!” wrote one witness of the event. “All able and willing, but the necessary appliance — a fire brigade, or fire engine — was not to be had.”

It was this incident that galvanised the town into action, and just two months later a volunteer brigade was formed in Orange.

But by the 1890s, concerns were being raised about the state of the brigade’s home in Anson Street, with the local correspondent of the Sydney Mail and NSW Advertiser writing the following in 1892:

“For some time past it was apparent that a new fire station was badly needed in Orange, the place that had hitherto done duty for the same being a rickety wooden erection, remarkable principally for its dilapidated appearance.

“It had a bell-tower, and one night last week an alarm of fire was received from one of the hotels. The firemen on duty at once began to pull the bell-rope, and had given about three pulls, when the whole concern tumbled down, bell-tower and all. It is thought probable that the local board will now take some action in the matter of erecting a suitable station.”

But while efforts were made by the board and local member to seek a government grant for a new station it wasn’t until late 1901 that James Dalton, who owned the land the station was located on, brought matters to a head.
“For some time past the erection of a new fire brigade station in Orange has been ardently advocated,” says the Orange Leader of October 5, 1901. “Affairs have at last assumed a phase which will necessitate the erection of new offices, or at least the removal of the plant from the present old building, as Mr Jas. Dalton has given the board notice to remove their belongings without delay, as the present unsightly structure was going to be pulled down to make room for buildings for other purposes.”

In May, 1903, the Orange Fire Bridge Board finally accepted the tender of Mr H.Richardson to build the new fire station on land “opposite the convent” in Summer Street. 

Following the brigade’s relocation to its new home in June, 1904, the Orange Leader wrote at length, praising the city’s handsome new fire station. 

“Situated in a commanding portion of the town, the building, although designed to meet the requirements of practical utility, is not by any means devoid of architectural attractiveness. In fact, it considerably enhances the architectural effect of that portion of the town. In structure it is somewhat massive and well balanced, whilst the bell-tower, rearing up to a height of 65 or 70 feet, gives it a striking appearance…

“The town of Orange may well congratulate itself upon its fire station, and more particularly on its brigade... With such a well-trained and well-officered body local residents may well be excused if they are lulled into a sense of security against invasion by fire.”

For more on the history of our local firefighters, visit the Orange Regional Museum exhibition, Orange 412: A history of our local Fire Brigade.

Curated and produced by Orange Regional Museum in collaboration with Fire and Rescue NSW and the Museum of Fire, Orange 412: A history of our local Fire Brigade delves into the formation of the brigade, station life and communications technology as well as championship competitions, firefighting equipment, fire and rescue and community engagement.

Highlights include the Orange Municipal Council’s Minutes Book with the first mention of a fire brigade in December 1868, a reproduction of an 1870 manuscript featuring the signatures of the brigade’s first volunteer members, the original 1872 bell from the Anson Street Fire Station and a hand-drawn hose reel complete with hose, brass nozzle, standpipe and extinguisher.

The family-friendly exhibition also includes children’s dress-ups, playful storytelling and an interactive fire truck, while adults will also enjoy the large-scale graphics and audio and video content.

Orange 412: A history of our local Fire Brigade will run until 21 July, 2024.