In a concerning development, another fire broke out at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) on Pulau Tekong — the second such incident in just three weeks. The blaze, which occurred on the morning of 11 July, erupted in an unoccupied bunk and was successfully extinguished by Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel before the arrival of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
Authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported, and investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the fire.
SAF Responded Swiftly to Friday Morning Blaze
According to a Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) spokesperson, the affected bunk was not in use for accommodation or training purposes, and access to the area is restricted. The fire was discovered around 10.15am, and involved contents within the dormitory, said SCDF in a separate statement.
The SAF managed to bring the fire under control before firefighters arrived, preventing further damage and ensuring the safety of all personnel. The dormitory was unoccupied at the time, and no SAF trainees or staff were harmed.
Both MINDEF and SCDF have confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with the SAF assisting in the process.
Second Fire at BMTC in Less Than a Month
This latest incident closely follows a previous fire on 20 June, which also involved an unoccupied bunk at the same military facility. That fire left the interior of the bunk visibly charred, with footage of the aftermath circulating widely on social media platforms like TikTok.
Although no injuries were reported in the earlier case, the recurrence of fires within a short span of time has raised questions about fire safety protocols and maintenance at the facility.
Pulau Tekong is home to the BMTC, where new enlistees undergo their Basic Military Training (BMT). Bunk accommodations are typically assigned to recruits during their stay, but the recent incidents occurred in unused facilities.
Investigations Underway, No Threat to Trainees
Despite the unusual frequency of these incidents, authorities have reassured the public that there is no immediate danger to recruits or staff. SAF and SCDF are now working closely to identify the cause of the fires and assess if preventive measures need to be enhanced.
No further details have been released about whether foul play is suspected, or if the two incidents are related. However, repeated fires at a sensitive military site like BMTC are likely to prompt internal reviews and safety checks.