Dramatic Fire Erupts in Sembawang Shophouse, Prompting Evacuation of 100 Residents!

SINGAPORE – A dramatic scene unfolded in Sembawang on January 8, when approximately 100 individuals were swiftly evacuated from neighboring units after a fire ignited at a two-storey shophouse located at 10A Jalan Tampang.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported that they were alerted to the fire at 8:25 PM. Responding promptly, firefighters faced the challenging task of forcing entry into the structure to combat the flames. Utilizing two water jets inside the shophouse, they worked diligently to contain the blaze while additional jets were deployed outside to thwart any spread to adjacent units.

An impressive display of emergency resources was mobilized, with eight fire engines and around 40 dedicated firefighters from Yishun, Woodlands, and Tampines fire stations, including the Special Response Unit, responding to the emergency.

Eyewitness accounts shared on TikTok captured the alarming scene, showcasing flames shooting high above the row of shophouses, alongside the urgency of firefighters and police on the ground.

Fortunately, the SCDF confirmed that the fire was brought under control and fully extinguished within an hour, with crews currently engaged in what is known as "damping down" – a crucial process involving the use of water to cool burnt surfaces and prevent any potential flare-ups.

Remarkably, there were no reported injuries, although authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of this alarming incident.

This fire incident is part of a concerning trend, as recent data reveals there were 1,954 fire incidents in Singapore in 2023, marking an 8.6% increase from the previous year's total of 1,799. Authorities have continuously emphasized the importance of fire safety and preparedness to mitigate such risks in the future.

Stay tuned for updates as the investigation unfolds!