Delhi's first modern Fire Station in 1916

 

Here’s a picture of Delhi’s first modern fire station in Shahjahanabad. You may be able to spot the fire warden and firefighters standing in the foreground. There is a caveat, however: Delhi had a temporary fire station established in the 1870s, which remained in operation until this one was built in 1916. The problem was that the old fire station was situated along Burn Bastion Road (now known as Naya Bazar) and when the latter was constructed, it had to be rebuilt. The new fire station included accommodation for a driver and quarters for a fireman, all on a permanent foundation.

One might ask, why was establishing a permanent fire station so significant from the perspective of the colonial government? Well, aside the fact that fires could cause loss of life, Delhi was a commercial hub, and the government could not afford to risk damage to commercial property and goods essential for economic growth. Additionally, a modern fire station symbolised power – it was a representation of control over elements like fire, highlighting the benevolence and advantages of colonial rule.

FYI, I had posted on the Delhi Municipality’s fire engine, the 'Fire King' and the former's embrace of new technology a little while ago and this can be read here:https://hiddendelhiblog.blogspot.com/search?q=fire

More next week, see you then.