Small rooftop garden fire briefly disrupts Tampines countdown celebrations, no injuries reported
A festive New Year’s celebration in eastern Singapore took an unexpected turn when a fire broke out at a major community hub, drawing swift emergency response and public attention during the countdown moments.
Fire Breaks Out During Countdown Celebrations
A fire erupted on the rooftop of Our Tampines Hub shortly after midnight on January 1, 2026, coinciding with the venue’s New Year’s Day fireworks display. Videos circulating on Instagram and Facebook showed visible flames on the rooftop while fireworks continued in the background, raising concern among members of the public attending the countdown event.
Location and Emergency Response Timeline
The Singapore Civil Defence Force said it was alerted to the incident at 12.05am at 1 Tampines Walk, the official address of Our Tampines Hub. The location was one of seven heartland sites selected for New Year countdown fireworks across Singapore, making the timing and setting particularly sensitive.
Cause and Extent of the Fire
According to SCDF, the fire involved a small patch of grass within the rooftop garden of the building. Firefighters extinguished the flames using a hose reel, preventing the fire from spreading further across the rooftop area.
No Injuries, Area Secured
SCDF confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. However, videos posted online showed members of the public standing several floors below the fire, highlighting how visible the situation was during the celebration. The affected grass patch was immediately cordoned off as a precaution while safety checks were conducted.
On-Site Response and Coordination
A spokesperson for Our Tampines Hub said the fire was first detected and handled by the People’s Association on-site Community Emergency Response Team, working in coordination with SCDF. The rapid response helped contain the situation within minutes and ensured the safety of attendees.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Review
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Our Tampines Hub management stated it is cooperating with relevant agencies to review the incident and implement additional safety measures if required, particularly for future large-scale public events involving fireworks.
The incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness during major public celebrations in densely populated urban areas. While no injuries were reported, the swift response by SCDF and on-site teams helped prevent escalation. For Indonesians and Singaporeans alike, the episode serves as a reminder of the critical role safety planning and coordinated emergency response play in ensuring public confidence at large community events.
Sources: Mothership (2026) , Straits Times (2026)
Keywords: Our Tampines Hub Fire, Singapore Fireworks Incident, SCDF Response, Tampines New Year
