Forum: Rope in trained community volunteers to help maintain firefighting equipment
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News of the fatal fire at Block 309 Clementi Avenue 4 was troubling (Fatal Clementi blaze: Dry rising main not in proper working condition during firefighting operation, Aug 2). The dry rising main did not provide sufficient water pressure on the eighth floor, forcing firefighters to run hoses from the fire engine at ground level up the staircase. One resident later died, while two firefighters suffered burn injuries.
Although investigations are ongoing and it would be premature to conclude that the dry-riser failure contributed to the death, any disruption to the water supply during firefighting is a serious concern. When a fire breaks out, every minute matters. The priority must be to contain it as quickly as possible before it spreads and places more lives at risk.
If investigations establish that defects in the system, maintenance, workmanship or inspection affected the firefighting operation or its outcome, the public should be informed how responsibility and accountability will be determined.
Many Community Emergency and Engagement Committee members and concerned residents are willing to contribute more. Could trained community volunteers help identify visible damage, obstruction or tampering, report concerns and promote fire-safety awareness? The Singapore Civil Defence Force already encourages residents to cooperate with town councils and help keep firefighting provisions accessible and ready for use.
Potential weaknesses must, as far as possible, be detected and rectified before an emergency occurs. Residents deserve confidence that essential firefighting systems will function when lives depend on them.
Raymond Lim
