SINGAPORE, Aug 3 — A faulty dry rising main hindered firefighting efforts during a deadly blaze at Block 309 Clementi Avenue 4 on July 31, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said on August 2.

The Straits Times reported the malfunction caused a significant drop in water pressure, preventing water from being properly channelled to the eighth floor, where firefighters were battling a fire that left the unit’s occupant unconscious; the victim later died in hospital. Two firefighters also suffered burn injuries.

SCDF said its crew switched to a contingency method — running hoses directly from the fire engine up the staircase — a procedure they regularly train for. About 40 residents were evacuated as a precaution.

A preliminary assessment by Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council found that a coupling securing part of the dry rising main had become dislodged during the operation, causing the pressure loss. The council said it has repaired the coupling, with SCDF conducting tests on Aug 2 and further checks planned across other blocks under its care.

The dry rising main at the block had last been serviced and pressure‑tested on March 14 and was found to be in order. The town council said it is cooperating fully with SCDF’s investigation and will review maintenance and testing regimes for all firefighting water systems. It also conveyed condolences to the victim’s family and wished the injured firefighters a swift recovery.