\n<\/p>\n
SINGAPORE \u2013 A dry rising main was not in proper working condition when firefighters were putting out a<\/span><\/a> blaze <\/span><\/a>in a Clementi HDB flat on<\/span><\/a> July 31<\/span><\/a>, hampering firefighting operations.<\/p>\n A dry rising main is a vertical red pipe charged with water from a fire engine during firefighting.<\/p>\n The malfunction resulted in reduced water pressure, preventing water from being charged effectively to the affected floor, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) on Aug 2, in a reply to media queries.<\/p>\n The SCDF responded to the fire at a flat on the eighth floor of Block 309 Clementi Avenue 4 at around 11.10pm on July 31.<\/p>\n The flat\u2019s occupant was taken to hospital in an unconscious state and later died there. Two firefighters who suffered burn injuries were also taken to hospital.<\/p>\n SCDF said that upon encountering problems with the dry rising main, firefighters immediately set up hoses directly from the fire engine at ground level to the affected floor via the staircase.<\/p>\n This is a contingency that firefighters regularly train for during routine drills, SCDF added.<\/p>\n SCDF, which is investigating the incident, said the town council is required to rectify the dry rising main to ensure that it is in proper working condition.<\/p>\n In a media reply on Aug 2, the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council said its preliminary assessment indicates that the reduction in water pressure from the dry rising main was due to a coupling that secured a segment of the dry rising main becoming dislodged during firefighting operations.<\/p>\n The town council said that in the meantime, it has rectified the coupling securing the segment of the dry rising main.<\/p>\n SCDF tested the system on the morning of Aug 2, said the town council. Further tests will be conducted to ensure that the system is fully operational.<\/p>\n The town council said it will also conduct further checks at other blocks under its management, as a precautionary measure.<\/p>\n The dry rising main at Block 309 Clementi Avenue 4 was last serviced and pressure tested on March 14, and was found to be in order, the town council said. It added that dry rising main systems are serviced every six months and pressure tested annually.<\/p>\n The fire \u2013 which involved items in the living room \u2013 was put out with two water jets, said SCDF in a Facebook post early on Aug 1. About 40 residents from the affected block were evacuated by the police and the SCDF as a precaution.<\/p>\n The town council said that it is cooperating fully with SCDF\u2019s probe, and will remain \u201ctransparent and accountable\u201d.<\/p>\n It added: \u201cWe will work closely with SCDF to identify any areas where the maintenance and testing regime for the entire dry rising main and hose reel system, which supplies water for firefighting operations, can be further strengthened.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will continue to provide the necessary support to the parties affected by the incident.\u201d<\/p>\n The town council also conveyed its condolences to the resident\u2019s family and loved ones, and wished the injured firefighters a speedy recovery.<\/p>\n One of the firefighters has been discharged from hospital and is resting at home, said SCDF.<\/p>\n