Electricity supply temporarily disrupted in area within Chinatown after fire in substation

Electricity supply in part of Chinatown was temporarily disrupted after a fire broke out at a substation on Bukit Pasoh Road on September 1, according to local authorities. The incident occurred around 12:20 pm, prompting emergency services to respond swiftly. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that the fire originated in an electrical room on the ground floor of a building located at 43 Bukit Pasoh Road, which is identified as the Ee Hoe Hean Club, one of Singapore's oldest social and business organizations. Firefighters used a dry powder fire extinguisher to bring the blaze under control. There were no reports of injuries during the incident. The National Grid Operator, SP Group, noted that the electricity disruption began shortly after the fire, with alerts received at 12:26 pm. Emergency personnel were dispatched to the site promptly. Power restoration efforts commenced by 1:15 pm, with full service resumed by 5:25 pm. However, SP Group did not specify the number of premises impacted or whether residential areas were affected. The fire reportedly spread through electrical equipment, though the exact origin and cause remain under investigation. Both SCDF and SP Group have stated that they are working together to determine the root cause of the incident. The Ee Hoe Hean Club, situated at the location of the fire, has been contacted by The Straits Times for further details. As of now, no official statement from the club has been released. Bukit Pasoh Road is known for its historical significance and cultural heritage, housing several community centers and traditional businesses. The Ee Hoe Hean Club, established over a century ago, serves as a hub for local residents and plays a vital role in preserving the area’s heritage. The disruption caused by the fire could have had a minor impact on daily operations in the neighborhood, particularly for small businesses reliant on consistent power supply. Local authorities have emphasized the importance of maintaining safety protocols in such facilities, especially given the potential risks associated with electrical systems. While the fire itself appears to have been contained without major consequences, the incident highlights the need for regular maintenance and inspection of infrastructure. The ongoing investigation into the cause will likely take several days, with results expected to be shared once available. Residents and business owners in the vicinity expressed concern over the temporary loss of power, although no immediate complaints of prolonged outages were reported. The restoration process was described as efficient, with minimal inconvenience to the public. Further updates are anticipated as the investigation progresses and additional information becomes available. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the continued safe operation of electrical systems in the area.