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SGT1 (NS) Muhammad Haziq Bin Mohd Haniff was a Fire and Rescue Specialist at Central Fire Station during his National Service from 2021 to 2023. PHOTO: SCDF
Drawing on his training and frontline experiences during his National Service, Operationally Ready National Serviceman SGT1 (NS) Muhammad Haziq Bin Mohd Haniff responded calmly when a fire broke out five floors above his home, at Block 898 Tampines Street 81.
During his National Service, SGT1 (NS) Haziq responded to various fire, rescue, and medical emergencies with his colleagues.
With his training at the Civil Defence Academy as a strong foundation, he continued to sharpen his skills through experiences on the ground. “Being at the frontline taught me to be adaptable. Each operation has its unique challenges, and you have to find a way to overcome them,” he said.
He recalled responding to a residential unit fire in Telok Blangah in 2022, in which a casualty had succumbed to smoke inhalation. “That incident stayed with me, and I do think about it at times,” he reflected softly. “Every fire is different and every second counts. You have to assess the situation carefully before deciding on the course of actions.”
Over time, SGT1 (NS) Haziq grew into a disciplined and confident firefighter. These qualities came in useful when a fire broke out in his neighbourhood on 9 January 2026.
SGT1 (NS) Haziq was at home when he heard residents shouting from the opposite block. “They were trying to alert us to a fire at our block. At first, we could not see any smoke from our unit, and did not know where the fire was,” he recalled.
When he stepped outside, Muhammad Faris Bin Haji Mohamed, a neighbour who had run over from a nearby block, informed him that the fire was on the 12th floor. Together, they ran up to the affected floor.
As Faris assisted with evacuating neighbours, SGT1 (NS) Haziq learnt from other residents that there were still people inside the affected unit.
“Applying what I had learnt in SCDF, I quickly assessed the situation for potential dangers, such as gas or flammable materials,” SGT1 (NS) Haziq said.
Covering his nose and mouth with his shirt, SGT1 (NS) Haziq entered the unit, staying low to avoid the smoke. He located two occupants, one of whom was wheelchair-bound. “I reassured them and quickly guided them out of the unit,” he recounted.
The fire, which involved the contents of a living room, was extinguished with a water jet. SCDF conveyed four people, including SGT1 (NS) Haziq and his neighbours, to the hospital. PHOTO: SCDF
At the doorway, Faris helped to open the gate’s side panel, and together, they evacuated to the lift lobby.
SGT1 (NS) Haziq and his neighbours were assessed for smoke inhalation and conveyed to the hospital as a precautionary measure. “On the way to the hospital, I spoke briefly with my neighbours, and they expressed their gratitude. Now, we will greet each other when we cross paths in the neighbourhood,” he shared.
Muhammad Faris Bin Haji Mohamed (left) played a major role by evacuating residents at the affected block and turning on the dry riser valve at the 11th floor. Faris and SGT1 (NS) Haziq received the Community Lifesaver Award from COL Ser Boon Hui (right), Commander 2nd SCDF Division, on 20 January 2026. PHOTO: 2ND SCDF DIVISION COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT BRANCH
“As I was trained for such situations during my National Service, I instinctively stepped in to help and relied on what I had learnt,” SGT1 (NS) Haziq said.
He added that in the event of a fire, residents should alert others, evacuate, call 995 and activate the nearest fire alarm. SGT1 (NS) Haziq also stressed that members of the public should always be mindful of their personal safety when rendering assistance during an emergency.
He also highlighted the importance of keeping homes fire-safe, noting that unattended cooking and electrical faults are the top two causes of residential fires.
“By taking precautions such as not leaving cooking unattended, avoiding overloading power sockets, switching off appliances when not in use, and not charging devices overnight, we can help prevent a fire,” he emphasised. “Having a fire extinguisher or fire blanket at home can also help put out incipient fires.”
SGT1 (NS) Haziq hopes his experience will encourage others to learn lifesaving skills through the Responders Plus Programme or at SCDF establishments. With these skills, they can render assistance during emergencies.
“We may encounter people in vulnerable situations, whether during a fire or a medical emergency. Even small acts of support, such as checking on someone’s wellbeing or relaying information to emergency responders, can make a difference. If we look out for one another, we can help keep our family and community safe,” he said with a smile.