Eunos fire: BCA to order owner to close ‘badly damaged’ industrial building for checks
It is also working with JTC to investigate the incident and assess the site’s structural condition
[SINGAPORE] A single-storey industrial building with a metal roof in Eunos that caught fire on Nov 1 will be ordered by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to close for further assessments and rectifications.
In a Facebook post on Nov 2, the BCA said it was alerted to the fire at 1079 Eunos Avenue 7 Industrial Estate on Nov 1.
“As the building is badly damaged by the fire, BCA will be serving orders to the building owner to close off the building for further detailed assessment and rectifications to be carried out,” it added.
It said the owner is required to appoint a professional engineer to advise on the precautionary measures to obviate any immediate danger, carry out detailed investigations of the affected structure, and recommend permanent rectification works.
Industrial landlord JTC Corporation said in a Facebook post on Nov 2 that the blaze affected four tenants and that it is in contact with the affected businesses to offer support, such as providing access to alternative premises to minimise disruptions to their operations.
JTC added that it is also working closely with the relevant agencies, including the Singapore Civil Defence Force and BCA to investigate the incident and assess the site’s structural condition, as well as to ensure that the site remains safe and secure.
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JTC also advised all businesses in the area to review and strengthen their fire safety measures, including conducting regular fire risk assessments, ensuring clear evacuation plans, and maintaining fire detection and suppression systems.
The fire was extinguished after 5½ hours, with damping-down operations continuing through the night, said the SCDF on Nov 1.
The fire, which involved building materials and office equipment, engulfed three workshop units. The fourth unit was partially affected at the roof area and firefighters managed to prevent the blaze from spreading further.
Sixteen emergency vehicles and about 60 firefighters were deployed.
SCDF, which was alerted to the fire at about 5.30 pm on Nov 1, said a firefighter was assessed for suspected smoke inhalation and taken to Singapore General Hospital. Another firefighter who felt unwell was taken to Changi General Hospital.
In an update on Nov 2, SCDF said both firefighters have been discharged and given four-day and three-day medical leave respectively. THE STRAITS TIMES
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