Friday, 27 Jan 2006
Shop Fire at Blk 57 New Upper Changi Road

On Friday, 27 Jan 06 at 0104 hrs, the SCDF was alerted to a shop fire at Blk 57 New Upper Changi Road.

The SCDF responded with 2 fire engines, 2 red rhinos, 2 fire bikes, 2 ambulances and 3 support appliances and arrived within 6 minutes. Upon arrival, SCDF personnel found that the shop at the ground level and the adjoining residential 3 room unit above were well alight. Contents of the shop includes large volumes of incense papers, joss sticks, candles and bottles of oil stored in shelves and metal cages, leaving little room for internal manoeuvres within the premises. These goods also blocked the rear door of the shop impeding swift access by the fire fighters.

SCDF personnel conducted forced entry and immediately set to work to put out the fire as well as conduct search and rescue operations. At the time of the fire, there were no occupants in the shop and adjoining residential unit.

Residents of the block were evacuated by SCDF and Police personnel. 7 evacuates (a 6 month old infant, a 4 year old child, a pregnant lady and 4 elderly) suffered from smoke inhalation and were conveyed to Changi General Hospital by SCDF ambulances.

The fire was brought under control by SCDF with 4 jets within 30 minutes. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.