A nine-year-old boy saved his three-year-old brother from a fire after the younger sibling allegedly started a blaze in their Bukit Merah flat bedroom on 10 September. The fire resulted in six people being taken to hospital and the evacuation of 35 residents by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
Background
The fire, which broke out in the bedroom of the family’s flat, was reportedly caused by the younger boy playing with a lighter. The older brother, upon seeing the mattress in flames, quickly took his younger sibling out of the flat and called the SCDF. The incident highlights the importance of fire safety and the quick thinking of the young boy, which likely prevented further casualties.
Boys’ father: Younger son was likely playing with lighter
According to the boys’ father, surnamed Liu, the fire was likely started by his younger son playing with a lighter. Liu shared with Shin Min Daily News that his older son acted swiftly to save his brother and alert the authorities. “When my older son saw the mattress in flames, he immediately took his brother out of the flat and called the SCDF,” Liu said.
Parents were working, caretaker was not home
On the day of the fire, both parents were at work. Liu mentioned that his wife had arranged for a friend to care for the children until 2 pm. However, at the time of the fire, the caretaker was not present for reasons unknown. Liu expressed his frustration, stating that the nanny should have taken his younger son out of the house with her.
Family currently living in temporary residence
The family is now facing significant challenges, having lost all their belongings in the fire. Liu, who works as a cleaner, and his wife, a canteen stall assistant, have a combined monthly income of about S$2,000. This makes it difficult for them to replace essential items such as electrical appliances, furniture, and daily necessities. Liu’s 11-year-old daughter was devastated upon returning home from school to find her clothes, belongings, and computer destroyed.
Photos from the SCDF showed the charred remains of the room, extensive damage to the bedroom door, and exposed brickwork. The rest of the unit sustained heat and smoke damage. A neighbour who was evacuated reported hearing explosions during the fire, and the police assisted in evacuating residents with mobility issues. The fire was eventually extinguished with a water jet, and its cause is currently under investigation.
Community response and support
The local community has rallied around the family, offering support and donations to help them rebuild their lives. Various organisations have stepped in to provide temporary housing and essential supplies. The incident has also sparked discussions about fire safety and the importance of supervision for young children. The SCDF has reiterated the need for parents to keep lighters and other flammable items out of reach of children.
The bravery of the nine-year-old boy has been widely praised, and many have called for him to be recognised for his quick actions that likely saved lives. The family is slowly beginning to recover, but the road ahead remains challenging as they work to replace what was lost and rebuild their home.
