In 1862 the ‘Act to provide for the appointment of an Inspector of Fire Brigades, and for other purposes therein mentioned’, was enacted. On 5 November 1862, Arthur John Baker, then Superintendent of the Fire Insurance Company Fire Brigade of South Australia was appointed the inaugural Superintendent of Fire Brigades. He held his position from 1862 until 1882.
In 1913 the title of Superintendent of Fire Brigades was changed to Chief Officer.
Then in 1981 the South Australian Fire Brigade changed its name to the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service.
In accordance with the provisions of the 1862 Act, and the appointment of the inaugural Superintendent, 1862 is recognised as the year in which the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (formally South Australian Fire Brigade) was established.
The tragic loss of life resulting from the fire aboard the cargo steamer “City of Singapore” remains the darkest day in the history of the MFS. Yet, it also marked a pivotal moment in the history of the South Australian Fire Brigade as it entered an era of modernisation and change. The selfless bravery, dedication, and courage displayed by our firefighters on that fateful day continue to inspire us and reinforce our unwavering devotion to duty.
On Saturday, 26 April 1924, the “City of Singapore”, a steel-hulled cargo vessel, was docked at No. 2 Quay, Port Adelaide and loaded with a shipment of cars, tractors, kerosene, lubricating oil and 38,000 cases of petrol.
At approximately 7.45pm, a small explosion occurred on the vessel due to spontaneous combustion, resulting in a rapid spread of fire. The Port Adelaide and Semaphore Fire Brigades, supported by the fire float Ada, responded to the blaze, however the local fire brigades were not equipped to handle such a catastrophic disaster.
The Chief Officer at the Head Fire Station in Adelaide gathered firefighters together for a formal group announcement (parade) calling for volunteers to attend the fire. Every firefighter volunteered to respond.
By 10.30pm the fire appeared to have been brought under control. However, approximately 20 minutes later, a rumbling sound was heard from the No. 4 hold, and the call went out to abandon ship. Two explosions followed, sending debris flying hundreds of metres through the air. The force of the blasts was so powerful that it rattled windows and doors as far away as the foothills, leading many residents to believe there had been a major earthquake.
The explosions claimed the lives of three firefighters and injured 13 others.
James Hickey, age 22, single, of the Adelaide Fire Station and George James Alexander Anderson, age 23, single, of the Port Adelaide Fire Station were buried together at the Cheltenham Cemetery. Albert Greenman, aged 29, married, of the Adelaide Fire Station was buried by his own family at the West Terrace Cemetery.
In recognition of their heroic efforts, nine men received bravery awards for their courageous actions that night.
On Thursday 26 April 2012, the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) launched a six month period of celebrations to mark its 150th year of serving South Australia, making it one of the oldest legislated (government) fire services in the world.
26 April is a significant date in the Metropolitan Fire Service´s history. The day marked 88 years since its firefighters bravely fought the City of Singapore fire, what is considered to be Port Adelaide´s largest vessel fire.
The Minister for Emergency Services, the Hon. Jennifer Rankine MP joined MFS Chief Officer, Grant Lupton and Hon. Paul Caica MP at Adelaide Fire Station to officially open the celebrations. Two large banners were unveiled on the front of Adelaide Station and MFS Fire Appliances were branded with the message '1862-2012 Serving South Australia'.
Several of the State's firefighter memorials were refurbished and unveiled, including Fireman Gardner's Drinking Fountain at Elder Park and the Emergency Services Memorial at Centennial Park.
On Monday, 5 November, 2012 to commemorate the official date that the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service was formed, the Wall of Remembrance at Adelaide Station was unveiled.
While this anniversary was cause for celebration, it was also a timely opportunity to remember the 10 MFS firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
