Turffontein: it’s renowned for its horse racing legacy—but nestled in its story is a delightful—if mischievous—chunk cunning via firemen on the lookout for more than smoke.

Across from the grand Turffontein Racecourse stands the crumbling shell of the original fire station, erected in 1910, whose roof and walls quietly witnessed a legendary job of cunning and guile.

Flanking the station were two towering blue-gum trees—some 30 meters tall—with a rope ladder connecting them and a lookout platform perched above, five storeys high. On clear race days, firemen would clamber up, ostensibly scanning the southern suburbs for smoke—but actually, they’d be closely eyeing the early leaders in each race as the horses thundered past.

How a Fire Station Became the Centre of a Betting Racket

According to the local Heritage Portal website, “It seems that in those days betting could take place even after the horses had left their stalls.” From that lofty perch, the firemen signaled accomplices in nearby Fairview, who dashed to place savvy last-minute wagers at Tattersalls in Jeppestown—placing bets even as the horses fled the stables.

This rather shady practice didn’t remain undetected for long. The fire brigade’s side-hustle was eventually uncovered by bookmakers, and the ploy was swiftly shut down. Fortunately, the story itself outliving the scam means it remains one of Johannesburg’s more amusing heritage nuggets.

Today, the original gum trees are gone—only their stumps remain, beside younger replacements. The station building remains as a weathered monument to early 20th-century civic architecture and human inventiveness—both honorable and mischievous.

Listen to storyteller Al Prodgers’ report for HOT 1027 News below:

The trees in question. Photo: Johannesburg Heritage Foundation