Police probing fires at Yishun executive condo worksite; SCDF’s initial findings show arson
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The Straits Times understands that the incidents happened at the North Gaia construction site.
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SINGAPORE - Eight fires have been reported over an eight-day period at an executive condominium construction site in Yishun, with the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF) preliminary investigations showing it is arson.
The fires broke out in Yishun Close from Nov 20 to Nov 27, SCDF said.
The Straits Times understands that the incidents happened at the North Gaia construction site.
SCDF added that the fires mainly involved construction materials and furniture at various locations within the construction site, and that they were put out either by firefighters or by construction workers on site.
In one of the incidents, two people were taken to Singapore General Hospital for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
When contacted, the police confirmed that reports had been lodged and that investigations are ongoing.
North Gaia is a 616-unit development spread across 11 blocks of 14-storey buildings, according to its website.
In response to queries, a spokesperson for its developer, Sing Holdings, said that a professional engineer has been instructed to inspect the affected units for any damage to the structure of the building, adding that some of the building materials, fittings and equipment in the affected units were burnt.
The main contractor has also been asked to stop construction works at the affected units and the units directly above and below them.
Rectification works, if necessary, will be carried out to ensure that the integrity of the structure complies with the approved plans in accordance with regulatory requirements, said the spokesperson. Affected architectural finishes, fittings, wares and all equipment will be replaced with new ones.
In addition, security at the site has been stepped up to prevent unauthorised people from entering the premises.
The estimated completion date of the project, whose temporary occupation permit is targeted for the second quarter of 2025, remains unchanged, the spokesperson added.
