Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg
At about 11:15am on June 15, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to a fire at a shophouse at 31 Teo Hong Road.
Firefighters were equipped with breathing apparatus sets as protection against the thick smoke emitting from the shophouse.
Fire at Teo Hong Road
According to a statement by SCDF, the fire at the ceiling on the third floor and the attic of the shophouse was extinguished with three water jets at 1:15pm.
SCDF also deployed a Combined Platform Ladder to conduct aerial firefighting.
Photo from SCDF's Facebook page.
Damping down operations are ongoing.
For the uninitiated, damping down is the application of water to wet burnt surfaces immediately after a fire is put out.
This is done to prevent any potential rekindling of fire from the hot burnt surfaces.
Ceiling dropped on two firefighters
While conducting firefighting operations on the third floor of the shophouse, segments of the ceiling fell on two of the career firefighters.
Both were in full personal protective equipment (PPE) including helmets, and were immediately evacuated.
Photo from SCDF's Facebook page.
After they were assessed by SCDF paramedics, one of the firefighters was conscious when conveyed to Singapore General Hospital (SGH) while the other was treated at the site for minor scratches.
Another firefighter, a full-time National Serviceman, was conveyed to SGH after he experienced heat exhaustion.
Occupants evacuated
According to SCDF, occupants from the shophouse had self-evacuated prior to SCDF's arrival.
About 20 other occupants from the neighbouring units were evacuated by SCDF as a precautionary measure.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Top image from SCDF's Facebook page.