On the evening of 23 November 2024, a Christmas tree on the rooftop of Design Orchard caught fire, startling shoppers and passers-by on Orchard Road. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted at around 9.30pm and responded promptly.
Quick Response from SCDF
Upon arrival, SCDF extinguished the flames using two hose reels. Remarkably, there was no need for ambulance assistance, as no injuries were reported.
Eyewitness Accounts
- Busker Jonathan Tan, performing nearby, witnessed the fire spread and saw someone trying to extinguish it.
- He expressed his concerns: “I was a bit concerned at first because the fire grew bigger despite the person’s intervention.” Thankfully, the firefighters managed to put it out by 9.45pm.
Ongoing Investigations
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. A spokesperson from Design Orchard confirmed that the incident involved their contractor, and they are cooperating with relevant authorities.
Past Incidents
This isn’t the first time a Christmas tree on Orchard Road has caught fire. A similar incident occurred in December 2015 at Knightsbridge mall, also raising concerns about safety. Authorities continue to remind the public and businesses about fire safety measures during the festive period.