Tampines Industrial Fire: What Happened?

A shocking fire erupted at an industrial building in Tampines on Friday, leading to significant damage and immediate safety concerns. The incident took place at 18 Tampines Street 92, with dark clouds of smoke and ash filling the sky, prompting evacuations from nearby businesses and schools.

Building Status Confirmed Following Inspection

Late Saturday, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) reassured the public that, despite the fire damage, the structure remains 'structurally safe.' An inspection revealed that while some reinforced concrete structures and the steel roof had sustained damage, there was no significant deformation of the primary concrete elements.

Evacuation and Emergency Response

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded quickly, arriving on the scene shortly after the fire was reported at 12:50 PM. They deployed multiple firefighting resources, including water jets, aerial monitors, and even unmanned firefighting machines to combat the blaze.

Safety Measures Being Implemented

As a precautionary move, the BCA has ordered the complete closure of the building, except for the unaffected guardhouse and carpark shelter. The building owner must also hire a professional engineer to conduct a thorough assessment and recommend any safety measures and repairs needed.

Minor Injuries Reported Amidst Chaos

In the fray, a minor injury was reported as one individual from the site required treatment for a small cut, though they declined hospital transport. Fortunately, the swift action by the emergency services kept the situation from escalating further.

Visuals from the Scene

Images and videos circulated on social media depict thick black smoke billowing from the building, particularly from TC Homeplus, a distributor of homeware and linens, located at the site. The location, near SAFRA Tampines and Tampines Mall, made the event particularly dramatic as it captured the attention of many.

Looking Ahead: Community Safety First

As investigations continue, the community remains on alert but relieved that no serious injuries occurred. The priority now is to ensure the safety of the building and its surrounding areas, with the promise of thorough evaluations and future preventative measures.