Loud explosion heard as fire breaks out at Sembawang shophouse, 100 evacuated

A fire broke out in a row of shophouses along Jalan Tampang in Sembawang at approximately 8:25pm on Jan. 8, prompting the evacuation of those in the area while the fire was extinguished.

The fire appeared to have mainly affected a unit on the upper floor of the row of shophouses.

The affected area was located directly above the East Bistro eatery.

The cause of the fire is unknown, though those in the area told Mothership they heard a loud explosion right as the fire started.

At least five police cars and seven SCDF vehicles, including fire trucks, were present on the scene.

Fire started in unit above eatery

At approximately 8:50pm, the area bordering the shophouses had been cordoned off by police.

As a precautionary measure, members of the public in the surrounding units, including eateries, a massage establishment, and residential units, were evacuated by SCDF and police.

Speaking to Mothership, Jeff Kong was in his office near the eatery when he was asked to evacuate.

When he reached the main road at around 8:45pm, thick plumes of smoke could be seen engulfing the upper floor of the shophouse, as firefighters rushed to put the fire out.

A pair of young students Mothership spoke to were attending a tuition class next door when they heard a loud explosion, and immediately evacuated.

The fire had largely been extinguished by 8:45pm, though a water jet could still be seen being deployed.

The blaze saw a slight pile-up of cars alongside the road next to the eateries, with many curious onlookers.

Fire has been extinguished

An SCDF Facebook post shared late on Jan. 8 confirmed that the fire was extinguished.

No casualties were reported, said SCDF.

Firefighters conducted forcible entry to the unit and extinguished the fire within an hour, SCDF added in a subsequent update.

SCDF also shared that about 40 firefighters and eight vehicles were deployed, and that water jets were used at the building’s rear to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent units.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.