The headline of the Strait Times article read, “Biggest fire in 5 years razes factory”. Perhaps you might have stumbled upon this news article on 4 Aug 2008. What I experienced while fighting the blaze the day before – explosions, intense heat and smoke-logged areas- testified to the ferocity of the fire. But when the coding blared through Sungei Kadut Fire Post on 3 Aug at about 1530hrs, I attended to the case as usual. However, upon turning the corner from the Fire Post, thick black smoke greeted my crew and me.
Upon arrival at No. 60 Sungei Kadut Street 1, we instinctively set up 2 x 38mm jet, in an attempt to contain the fire to prevent it from spreading. However, the situation had worsened prior to our arrival, as the fire had already spread to several stacks of wooden pallets and tyres just nearby. The ferocious wind on that day did not help our cause. Jets were put in place to surround the fire but it refused to be tamed. Subsequently, foam was used to fight the fire, which raged for more than four hours before the combined crew of about 100 firemen put it under control at around 2030hrs. A total of 18 jets were deployed from 11 pumpers (i.e. fire engines) and nine other supporting appliances.
I have never experienced such a huge fire, and the experience will last me a long time. It is truly a memorable to be part of the crew which fought the “Biggest fire in 5 years..”
SGT Lim Shi Jie, Section Commander, Woodlands Fire Station
Filed under: Responder's diary Tagged: | Biggest Fire, Factory Fire, Straits Times, Sungei Kadut, Worst Blaze
