A fire broke out at a unit on the fifth floor of Synergy@KB, an industrial building located at 25 Kaki Bukit Road 4, on 19 September. When the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) arrived at the scene around 12:55 pm, officers found two persons unconscious inside a unit opposite the one that was on fire. SCDF performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on both individuals and conveyed them to Changi General Hospital (CGH). Reports indicate that the two persons have since passed away.
Background
The fire at Synergy@KB, an industrial building in Kaki Bukit, has raised concerns about safety protocols in industrial areas. The SCDF was alerted to the fire at approximately 12:55 pm and responded promptly. The incident has drawn attention due to the tragic loss of life and the potential risks posed by such fires in densely populated industrial zones.
Entire 5th floor ‘smoke-logged’
In a Facebook post at 3:20 pm, SCDF stated that firefighters from Paya Lebar Fire Station and Tampines Fire Station responded to the fire. Upon arrival, officers noticed that the entire fifth floor was “smoke-logged.” The firefighters extinguished the fire using two water jets. During the operation, they discovered two unconscious individuals in a unit opposite the one that was on fire. SCDF’s emergency medical services personnel conducted CPR on both persons and transported them to CGH. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Debris falling from unit to ground
Footage of the fire was captured by an onlooker and uploaded to a Telegram group. In one of the videos, SCDF officers can be seen extinguishing the fire with a water jet from a neighbouring unit. A burning window frame and several pieces of debris fell from the unit, landing on the ground with a thud. The fire appeared to grow larger, and an explosion could be heard in the video.
Another fire broke out in Yishun on Sep. 18 night
This incident occurred just one day after a fire broke out at a coffee shop located on the first floor of Block 171 Yishun Street 71 on the evening of 18 September. According to a Facebook post published at 8:35 pm on 18 September, SCDF stated that firefighters from Yishun Fire Station responded to the fire at around 6:50 pm. The coffee shop was “smoke-filled,” and the fire involved “several stalls.” Firefighters extinguished the fire using a firefighting machine and two water jets. As a precaution, around 100 persons were evacuated by the police and SCDF from the nearby premises.
Safety concerns and future implications
The recent fires at Kaki Bukit and Yishun have highlighted the importance of stringent safety measures in both industrial and commercial areas. The SCDF’s swift response in both incidents underscores the need for preparedness and effective emergency protocols. Moving forward, there may be increased scrutiny on fire safety regulations and enforcement to prevent similar tragedies. The investigations into the causes of these fires will likely provide further insights and recommendations for improving safety standards.
