How did the dry rising main malfunction affect the fire response?

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A Faulty Dry Rising Main Impeded Firefighting Efforts at Clementi Avenue 4

A malfunction in the dry rising main at Block 309 Clementi Avenue 4 significantly hampered firefighting operations on July 31, leading to a critical drop in water pressure. This pressure loss prevented water from reaching the eighth floor where firefighters were actively battling a blaze. The incident resulted in the occupant of the unit later dying in hospital and two firefighters sustaining burn injuries.
Dislodged Coupling Caused Water Pressure Loss

Preliminary assessments by the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council identified a dislodged coupling as the cause of the dry rising main's failure. This coupling is responsible for securing a portion of the system. The dislodgement directly led to a significant reduction in water pressure, which was insufficient to supply the upper floors effectively during the emergency.
Contingency Measures Were Activated

In response to the compromised water supply, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) crews resorted to a contingency plan. Firefighters proceeded to run hoses up the building's staircase, a procedure for which they regularly train. This alternative method allowed them to continue their efforts to extinguish the fire on the eighth floor, despite the initial equipment failure.
System Maintenance and Subsequent Repairs

The dry rising main in question had undergone its last scheduled servicing and pressure testing on March 14, at which point it was deemed to be in proper working order. Following the incident, the dislodged coupling has since been repaired. The SCDF conducted tests on August 2 to verify the repairs, with further checks planned for other blocks managed by the town council.

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How did the dry rising main malfunction affect the fire response?

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