SINGAPORE – A fire erupted at Century Bakkwa, a popular shop known for its barbecued meat, located on Dunlop Street in Little India on 15 February 2024, just days before the bustling Chinese New Year festivities.
The blaze was reported to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) around 11.40am, with firefighters extinguishing the fire within five minutes of their arrival. Thankfully, the incident caused only minor injuries, with two individuals assessed for breathing difficulties but opting not to go to the hospital.
The Cause and Impact
The fire, which is currently under investigation, was primarily contained within the kitchen exhaust duct of the ground-floor unit. Owner Simbian Chua informed customers via social media that the fire could not be immediately controlled, noting the presence of 500kg of charcoal in the shop.
- Bak kwa orders for 15 February may be delayed by one to two days.
- Customers seeking refunds will be accommodated.
- A video shared by Chua showed smoke billowing from the back alley of the shophouse.
Customer Reactions
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Century Bakkwa has previously announced that its bak kwa products had completely sold out for the Chinese New Year period. As a result, the delay in deliveries has left many customers in a lurch, but Chua appealed for understanding during this challenging time.
As the year of the dragon approaches, residents of Little India and bak kwa lovers alike are hoping for a swift resolution to this incident.