9-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) A residential fire in Jurong West on July 9 led to the hospitalisation of three individuals and prompted a swift response from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), showcasing the critical importance of emergency services in densely populated urban areas.
The incident unfolded at approximately 10:00 AM at Block 448 Jurong West Street 42, where SCDF personnel were alerted to a fire in a Housing Board flat. The situation was particularly urgent due to reports of a person trapped in one of the bedrooms.
Upon arrival, firefighters from Jurong and Bishan Fire Stations encountered a blaze engulfing the living room of a ground floor unit. The SCDF’s response was two-pronged: while one team battled the flames in the living area, another focused on a daring rescue operation.
In a display of quick thinking and technical skill, firefighters utilised a power saw to cut through window grilles at the rear of the property, successfully extracting the trapped individual. This person was subsequently assessed for smoke inhalation and transported to Singapore General Hospital (SGH) for further treatment.
The fire’s impact extended beyond the immediate unit, affecting neighbouring residents. Two occupants from an adjacent flat also required medical attention for smoke inhalation and were taken to SGH. As a precautionary measure, police and SCDF officers evacuated approximately 10 residents from the affected block.
Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze using a water jet, but not before it had caused significant heat and soot damage throughout the unit. The SCDF has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
This incident adds to a concerning trend in residential fires in Singapore. According to the SCDF’s emergency medical services, fire, and enforcement statistics for 2023, there were 970 fires in residential buildings last year, marking a 3.7 per cent increase from the 935 fires recorded in 2022.
Mr. Tan Wei Ling, a fire safety expert, commented on the incident: “This event underscores the importance of having well-maintained fire safety equipment in homes and the need for residents to be familiar with evacuation procedures. The quick response of the SCDF likely prevented a more severe outcome.”
Local resident Mrs. Lim Siew Mei expressed her concerns: “It’s frightening to think how quickly a fire can spread in these high-density housing areas. We’re grateful for the SCDF’s rapid response, but it’s a wake-up call for all of us to be more vigilant about fire safety.”
