A fire broke out on Friday (9 May 2024) at a two-storey industrial building in Tampines, causing dark smoke to rise into the sky. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to the incident at 12.50pm, responding rapidly to the scene located at 18 Tampines Street 92.
Rapid Response from the SCDF
The SCDF deployed five water jets, an aerial monitor from a combined platform ladder, and an unmanned firefighting machine to combat the blaze. Smoke could be seen billowing from the windows of TC Homeplus, a distributor of homeware and homelinen. Fortunately, the fire was later reported to be under control; however, the building’s structural integrity was deemed unstable.
Eyewitness Accounts
- According to a TC Homeplus director, Mr Yap, he was alerted by staff shortly before the fire escalated.
- Workers initially attempted to extinguish the flames using fire extinguishers before evacuating once the situation became unmanageable.
- Nearby offices were also evacuated, with reports of ash falling into residential areas due to the wind direction.
Impact on Local Residents and Businesses
Residents reported seeing thick black smoke from their homes, with some noting that ash was falling nearby. Caroline Bone, who observed the incident from her flat in Simei, remarked on the situation, saying, “Plenty of ash coming into the flats here because of wind direction.” Meanwhile, children and staff from Middleton International School, situated across from the burning building, were evacuated and gathered safely in the school field.
Current Status
As of 2.35pm, SCDF personnel attended to an individual who had suffered a minor cut; they declined hospitalization. A police cordon was established to control the situation, with onlookers kept at a safe distance. The SCDF continues to monitor the site, ensuring the safety of all involved as this story develops.