SCDF gets upgraded modular oil tank firefighting system to battle large-scale infernos

SCDF gets upgraded modular oil tank firefighting system to battle large-scale infernos

SINGAPORE: If you have modular furniture at home that you rearrange to suit your needs, you may be surprised to find you have something in common with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).

Much like how home owners can build their sofas or bookshelves in varying combinations, the components of SCDF’s latest-generation oil tank firefighting system – such as water pumps and large monitors – can be put together in different ways to combat large-scale oil storage tank fires.

SCDF’s new system also can discharge up to 100,000 litres of foam solution per minute, equivalent to filling up an Olympic-sized swimming pool within 25 minutes – a significant increase from up to 60,500 litres per minute.

Last month, members of the media were invited to Banyan Fire Station on Jurong Island to check out SCDF’s capabilities in the lead-up to Exercise Northstar XI, which will take place on Mar 22.

The multi-agency terrorism exercise, to be held on Jurong Island this year, will test government agencies’ responses to a crisis.

The last edition took place at Changi Airport in 2017 and has previously been held at locations like the Singapore Sports Hub.

This year’s exercise will begin with a terrorist attack leading to explosions of multiple IED (improvised explosive device) explosions. In turn, this will cause a chemical pipeline rupture and two large oil tank fires.

In response to the scenario, SCDF will send in its modular oil tank firefighting system as well as its full suite of hazardous material (HazMat) capabilities.