Preparing the Singapore Flyer

A fire broke out inside the switch room of the Singapore Flyer on 23 June 2008 at about 0800hrs. A flash fire was also reported, hurtling two workers deep into the room, rendering them completely inaccessible to the rescue efforts of the in-house Company Emergency Response Team (CERT). The initial firefighting effort proved to be inadequate, as the fire continued to rage in size and intensity.

Simultaneously, the tenants and staff were alerted to the fire, and instructed to evacuate visitors from the vast Flyer structure to the safety of the assembly area where they await anxiously for the arrival of the SCDF rescuers…

Thankfully this fire incident was merely an exercise scenario orchestrated to evaluate the emergency plans laid down by the Flyer management and the responders from Central Fire Station.

The latest waterfront attraction in Singapore, the Flyer is the largest giant observation wheel in the world, towering at a height of 165m or 42 floors. The Singapore Flyer also boasts an array of entertainment and food-and-beverage outlets, e.g. restaurants, retail outlets, spa centers, open air theatre and even a mini tropical rainforest. The Singapore Tourism Board has a forecast of 2.5 million visitors in its first year of operation, with 50 percent expected to be foreigners.

Faced with such considerations, the Singapore Flyer Management decided that it would be prudent to prepare themselves for emergencies. Its Community Safety and Security Programme (CSSP) Project, known as the Singapore Flyer Joint Emergency Planning, was conceived. The Plan, involving emergency responders from the Central Fire Station and HQ 1st CD Division Public Affairs Branch, aims to bridge the operational gaps between the organizations and enhance the emergency response procedures.

A carefully deliberated three-pronged action plan was drawn up, starting with the preparatory training for the emergency personnel through the conduct of Community Emergency Preparedness Programme (CEPP) lessons. About 50 personnel from the Flyer management and its tenants participated in the one-day training which imparted essential life-saving skills, knowledge and procedures. Next, the emergency plans proposed by the Flyer management was reviewed and analyzed to ensure that they are operationally sound, with SCDF providing its expertise inputs. The action plan then concluded with the evaluation of these emergency plans through a joint exercise involving the tenants and staff of the Flyer. The observed weaknesses were duly identified for rectification.

This CSSP project was conceptualized and executed in one month. The bond during this process would put both the Flyer management HQ 1st CD Division in good stead to handle any emergencies.

LTA Shahdele Isman, Public Affairs Branch, HQ 1st CD Div