Old Perth Fire Station, Perth

The Old Perth Fire Station, also known as Fire Brigade No. 1 Station, holds the distinction of being the first dedicated fire station in Western Australia, officially opening its doors in 1901 and serving until 1979.

Designed by architect Michael Cavanagh, the building showcases Romanesque Revival design elements and was constructed around the turn of the 20th century. It's a two-story structure made of rough limestone with a tiled roof, positioned on a corner lot. The building stands out with its varied front appearance, featuring archways, small towers, and recessed areas with columns.

After the Perth Fire Brigade moved out in 1979, the building underwent significant restoration from 1983 to 1985. The exterior restoration included replacing the roof with terracotta tiles to match the original, rebuilding a limestone archway to accommodate modern, larger fire engines (this had been previously modified with a concrete support), and restoring columns, decorative elements, and the original doors that had been removed. On the inside, renovations added new wooden staircases, bathrooms, and a small theater, along with new decorative ceiling edges and medallions to reflect the building's historical period.

In 1985, the building was repurposed and reopened as the Fire Safety Education Centre and Museum. This museum displays a wide range of firefighting gear used over the last 150 years, supported by a team of active firefighters. Located in the fire station first established in 1901, this facility was once among the most cutting-edge of its time in the country.