Second fire station on Jurong Island to be ready by end
2009
SINGAPORE: Jurong Island will be getting a second fire
station by the end of 2009. When completed, the new Banyan Fire
Station will effectively double the personnel and vehicle count
deployed on the island to deal with industrial
emergencies.
At the ground breaking ceremony on Thursday, Law and
Second Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said the new Banyan Fire
Station is another vital addition to Singapore's overall safety and
security.
When operational, it will be equipped with Hazmat or
Hazardous Material response capabilities.
It will complement Jurong Island Fire Station which was built in
1999.
The island is a key installation that's home to numerous petroleum
refinery, chemical and other industrial complexes.
Mr Shanmugam said: "Jurong Island has achieved significant
developments over the years and is now recognised as one of the
world's largest integrated chemical complexes which brings with it
the challenges of managing such a complex operating
environment."
Mr Shanmugam stressed that with the recent terrorist attacks in
Mumbai, there's a compelling need to be vigilant and prepared to
handle any situation.
The new fire station will span 5,000 square metres, housing 15 SCDF
operational vehicles and about 100 personnel.
The new Banyan Fire Station is strategically located at the centre
of the Jurong Island extension. With continuing reclamation, the
Jurong Island land mass will be about 3,200 hectares.
With two operational fire stations, the Singapore Civil Defence
Force (SCDF) is confident it can respond to an emergency at any
location on the island within eight minutes. - CNA/vm