SINGAPORE — Firefighters responding to a fire at a rental flat along Henderson Road last December were delayed by 18 minutes after firefighting vehicles were blocked by a tent.
This was said by the Minister of State for the Ministry of Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, on Monday (9 Jan) in relation to questions filed about the fire on 8 December last year at Henderson Road, where a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) firefighter who is a Full-Time National Serviceman (NSF) died after falling unconscious during the fire-fighting operation.
The 19-year-old NSF, Edward H Go, was the first firefighter to have lost his life during an operation by SCDF.
Go was posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant 1, and given full ceremonial honours during a “last call” on 13 December last year, with the sounding of fire call alarms across SCDF’s 23 fire stations as well as its headquarters, division headquarters and Civil Defence Academy (CDA).
Member of Parliament for Bukit Batok SMC, Mr Murali Pillay had asked about the challenges experienced by the SCDF during the firefighting operation.
On Monday, Mr Faishal noted that the firefighters were blocked from accessing the site of operation by a funeral tent by 18 minutes as they had to remove the bollards near the tent to create a safe spot for the vehicles to gain entry to the access way.
Mr Faishal also added that 61 responders from six fire stations were deployed based on the ground commander’s assessment of the resources needed for the operation of all emergency vehicles. 60 per cent of the respondents were regular officers, and 40 per cent of the responders were national servicemen
Following the news of the fire emerged online, netizens have asked if a funeral tent seen on videos and photos of the incident had blocked the firefighters from accessing the site.
Authorities did not respond to media queries on the matter due to the reason of ongoing investigation.
According to an earlier report by Lianhe Zaobao which is only available in its print newspaper, the company which set up the tent said it had erected the tent according to the prescribed size of 32 by 18 feet.
It also reported that six anti-collision barriers were removed.
According to a resident whom its reporter spoke with, the SCDF officers spent nearly an hour trying to dismantle the barriers as the tent was blocking the access.
The Tanjong Pagar Town Council, which is in charge of the estate, declined to comment in response to queries from Lianhe Zaobao as investigations are currently ongoing.
Firefighter received sufficient training
In his response, Mr Faishal shared that SGT(1) Go had enlisted with SCDF on 5 Jan last year to serve his National Service, and began his 12 weeks of firefighter course (FFC) at the CDA on 3 February.
He noted that the FFC includes theory and practical components such as wearing protective equipment and skills required to participate in firefighting operations and added that the firefighters must also undergo an annual proficiency test conducted by CDA to ensure that their skills and fitness levels meet the required standards.
Prior to enlistment, SGT(1) Go was certified medically fit and assessed to be of Physical Employment Standards’ (PES) A, making him suitable for frontline operational vocations.
Mr Faishal pointed out that the NSF’s performance was among the top 25 per cent in his cohort. and like the rest, he would go through the process of the journey any other year and he served. SGT(1) Go was said to have taken nearly 60 fire and rescue calls.
“So he also was an officer with some level of experience as well.” said Mr Faishal.
Unconfirmed if coroner will hold an inquiry
MP for Aljunied GRC, Sylvia Lim, asked if there has been any decision or indication that a coroner’s inquiry will be held in open court in this case. She said this is because there is obviously an element of public interest and it would be good for the public to follow the circumstances of what happened to the deceased.
Mr Faishal, in response, said that under the Coroner’s Act, the state coroner may decide to hold a coroner’s inquiry to establish the circumstances leading to a death.
“So, you know, we will see how the police investigations go. So I will not make any assumptions or speculation regarding the investigation. Nevertheless, I assure the members that we are going to do a thorough and a proper investigation surrounding what.”
