A massive fire broke out at 51 Shipyard Crescent on Sunday evening (27 July), prompting an emergency response from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Fortunately, no injuries were reported in what could have been a major industrial disaster.
At around 7.35pm, SCDF was alerted to the fire and swiftly dispatched 15 emergency vehicles along with 60 personnel to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters faced an intense blaze involving towering piles of wood chips, estimated to be around 10 metres high and spread across an area of 25 by 25 metres.
Using a combination of three ground water jets, two aerial jets, and a Pumper Firefighting Machine, SCDF worked quickly to contain the inferno. By 8.55pm, the fire was largely under control, though deep-seated hotspots continued to smoulder. Damping down operations — a process involving the application of water to prevent rekindling — extended through the night.
No Injuries Reported as Five Evacuate Safely
Five individuals at the site had self-evacuated prior to the SCDF’s arrival, and thankfully, no injuries were recorded. Authorities have advised members of the public to avoid the affected area for their own safety while firefighting efforts continued overnight.
This swift containment was made possible due to the coordinated deployment of high-capacity firefighting machinery and tactical response teams. Images shared by SCDF on Facebook showed firefighters battling towering flames under challenging conditions, earning widespread praise from the public for their courage and professionalism.
Public Praises Firefighters as Investigations Expected
Netizens took to social media to express their relief that there were no casualties and commended SCDF officers for their dedication and bravery. Many urged responders to “stay safe” and “get some rest” after what was clearly an exhausting operation.
As investigations are likely underway to determine the cause of the fire, this incident raises serious questions about fire safety standards at industrial sites, especially those handling combustible materials like wood chips. Workplace safety protocols, especially at high-risk zones like shipyards and warehouses, may soon come under closer scrutiny by regulatory authorities.
Singapore’s industrial zones, while known for their efficiency, must constantly adapt to modern fire prevention standards to minimise future risks. Companies operating in such areas are reminded to have robust fire safety systems, conduct regular checks on flammable materials, and train their staff in emergency response procedures.
With no loss of life and swift containment, this fire serves as both a warning and a testament to the SCDF’s operational excellence.