No injuries reported after open field in Bukit Panjang catches fire
A fire that broke out at an open field in Bukit Panjang on Thursday (3 Sept) was put out by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
A photo posted on Facebook showed thick white smoke coming from the inferno, which covered a large area of vegetation.
Source: Monir2.1 on Facebook
Burning cage on Bukit Panjang field that caught fire
Footage of the incident uploaded by a user in the Complaint Singapore Facebook group showed passing vehicles and an LRT train covered by the smoke as the fire raged.
Source: Issey Ikemen via Complaint Singapore on Facebook
At the side of the field was a large metal cage used to burn joss paper during the ongoing Hungry Ghost Festival.
Source: Issey Ikemen via Complaint Singapore on Facebook
An SCDF vehicle was at the scene, with a firefighter seen spraying water at the blaze.
Source: Issey Ikemen via Complaint Singapore on Facebook
Also present were at least two police vehicles.
Source: Issey Ikemen via Complaint Singapore on Facebook
Fire involved 30m by 20m patch of vegetation
In response to queries from MS News, SCDF said it was alerted to the fire at about 4.30pm on Thursday.
It involved a 30m by 20m patch of vegetation near the junction of Bukit Panjang Ring Road and Fajar Road.
The blaze was extinguished by SCDF using a water jet, with no injuries reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
NEA & SCDF offer fire safety tips for Hungry Ghost Festival
In an advisory on 12 Aug, the National Environment Agency (NEA) urged devotees making Hungry Ghost Festival offerings to burn smaller amounts of joss paper to reduce smoke and ashes.
Joss paper should not be tossed or scattered, and offerings should be cleaned up after prayers, it said.
On 13 Aug, SCDF advised the public not to place joss sticks or candles on grass patches or fields.
Smouldering embers should also be completely extinguished before leaving, it added.
Also read: Joss Paper Bin Erupts Into Fire, Residents Called Out For Leaving Offerings Unattended
Joss Paper Bin Erupts Into Fire, Residents Called Out For Leaving Offerings Unattended
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Featured image adapted from Monir2.1 on Facebook and Issey Ikemen via Complaint Singapore on Facebook.
