Underground pipe leak likely reason for water supply issues during Toa Payoh fire: Town council
In a statement on July 31, the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council said it conducted a joint inspection with SCDF of the dry riser, after SCDF found that it was not working properly.
The town council said: 'In our discussion with SCDF, the probable reason for the failure of the dry riser could be due to an underground pipe leak.'
The town council said the specific dry riser at Block 229, where the fire broke out, was last tested by an authorised fire prevention and protection system contractor on Aug 28, 2024, and was found to be in working condition.
The next inspection for the dry riser is scheduled on Aug 5.
The town council said SCDF requires a hydrostatic test to the dry riser to be conducted annually, which includes checks to detect such leaks.
On July 29 at around 1pm, a fire broke out in a unit on the 10th floor of the block, engulfing the flat and spreading to a unit on the 11th floor.
Seven people, including a firefighter and a child, were taken to hospital.
A day after the fire on July 30, SCDF said because the dry rising main was not working, water could not be charged up to the affected floors.
Firefighters had to set up hoses directly from the fire engine below up to the 10th and 11th floors via the staircase.
ST reported on July 30 a similar incident had happened in August 2020, when the wet riser was not working when firefighters tried to use it to fight the flames on the 20th floor at Block 138C Lorong 1A Toa Payoh.
In response, the town council on July 31 said the fire suppression systems involved in both fire incidents are unrelated.
The 2020 incident involved a wet riser system, while the incident in Lorong 8 involved a dry riser system, said the town council.
It added: 'Subsequently, the SCDF conducted comprehensive inspections and concluded that all fire safety systems are in good working order. The wet riser system at Block 138C Lorong 1A Toa Payoh has been properly maintained and remains in full working condition.'
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction
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