Battling the Oil Rig Fire

SCDF fire fighters scaling the massive oil rig at the shipyard

Upon arrival, our crew was greeted by the dark smoke billowing from an eight-storey-high oil rig that was berthed at the dry dock for repair. The oil rig’s company emergency response team (CERT) informed us that the fire was inside one of the columns supporting the upper floor of the oil rig. The CERT team had set up two water jets for defensive fire-fighting, and had accounted for all personnel in the shipyard. No casualty was reported.

Just minutes ago, the fire fighters at Tuas Fire Station were carrying out their usual station routine. Never did we expect that at around 1600 hrs on 28^th August 2009, we would be activated to fight a three-hour shipyard fire at 50 Gul Road.

Our SCDF fire fighters quickly deployed more water jets to support the CERT team in fighting the fire. Smoke extractors were also set up to reduce the smoke. With two more 38mm water jets, our crew managed to penetrate the seat of fire within the rig.

A total of 4 fire engines and 5 supporting appliances from various fire stations were involved in this entire operation.

Written by Sergeant Syeh Md Hafiz Bin Sahrum, a Section Commander in Tuas Fire Station. This article is also found in October 2009 issue of Rescue 995 – SCDF bi-monthly publication.