How did the dry rising main malfunction affect the fire at Block 309?

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A Faulty Dry Rising Main Compromised Firefighting Efforts at Block 309 Clementi Avenue 4

A malfunctioning dry rising main significantly hampered the response to a fire at Block 309 Clementi Avenue 4 on July 31, leading to a critical drop in water pressure that prevented water from reaching the eighth floor. This failure meant firefighters had to resort to an alternative method to combat the blaze, which ultimately resulted in the death of the unit's occupant and injuries to two firefighters. Approximately 40 residents were evacuated as a safety measure during the incident.
Dislodged Coupling Caused Pressure Loss

A preliminary assessment identified a dislodged coupling as the cause of the dry rising main's failure. This critical component, responsible for securing a part of the system, became unsecured during the firefighting operation, leading to a substantial loss of water pressure. The Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council has since rectified the issue by repairing the coupling.
Contingency Measures Were Implemented

Due to the dry rising main's malfunction, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) crew had to adopt a contingency plan. Firefighters were compelled to run hoses directly from their fire engine up the building's staircase to supply water to the affected area. This alternative procedure is part of regular training for such eventualities.
System Maintenance and Further Checks Underway

The dry rising main in question had undergone routine servicing and pressure testing on March 14, at which point it was found to be in satisfactory condition. Following the incident, the SCDF conducted tests on August 2, with additional checks scheduled for other blocks managed by the town council. The town council has stated it is fully cooperating with the SCDF's investigation and will review its maintenance protocols for all firefighting water systems.

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How did the dry rising main malfunction affect the fire at Block 309?

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