Singapore Hawker Fire Evacuates 100, No Injuries on June 20

A fire broke out in a Western food stall’s kitchen exhaust duct at Whampoa Cooked Food Centre in Singapore on Friday afternoon around 4:10 PM. Singapore Civil Defence Force evacuated about 100 people as a precaution. No one was injured. The incident disrupted dinner service for approximately 92 food stalls at the centre, with recovery timelines unclear pending safety inspections.

How the Fire Started and Spread

The fire began in a first-floor stall’s kitchen exhaust duct when cooking was underway. A 73-year-old stall worker tried to extinguish the initial flame with three fire extinguishers but the fire had already entered the duct system. He shut off the gas valve and evacuated. Thick smoke poured out of the food centre, visible from outside. At least two fire trucks, two police cars, and one ambulance arrived on scene. Firefighters used two water jets and a hose to extinguish the blaze.

Impact on Businesses and Customers

The fire occurred around 4:10 PM on Friday, just before the dinner peak. Police cordoned off the food centre for safety. About 50 customers and stall owners gathered outside. A 58-year-old employee at a nearby coffee shop said the centre’s 92 stalls would lose dinner revenue. Recovery timing remains unclear as authorities must inspect gas equipment before reopening. One stall owner recalled a similar fire two to three years earlier at the same location.

Official Response and Next Steps

The Jalan Besar constituency Member of Parliament posted on Facebook thanking Civil Defence Force, National Environment Agency, police, and union officials for swift action. Police lifted the cordon around 7 PM, allowing stall owners to return. Town council will assess damage over the coming days and conduct necessary repairs. The National Environment Agency will provide support to affected stall owners.

Final Thoughts

The Whampoa fire forced evacuation but caused no injuries. Stall owners face lost revenue and uncertain reopening dates pending safety checks. The incident underscores fire risks in high-density food courts during busy service periods.

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