Ang Mo Kio Cafe Fire: Vendors Lament Losses, Owner Estimates $500,000 Damage

A fire broke out at a cafe in Ang Mo Kio on Tuesday (Jan 10), causing extensive damage and forcing vendors to halt operations. The fire, which started at around 11:30am, ravaged the popular cafe located at Blk 347 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The cafe’s owner, who declined to be named, estimated the damage to be around $500,000. “We’ve lost everything,” he said with tears in his eyes. “All our equipment, our inventory, everything is gone. We don’t know how we’re going to recover from this.” The fire also forced several vendors who operate within the cafe to suspend operations. “I’m heartbroken,” said Ms. Tan, a vendor who sells handmade jewelry. “I’ve lost all my creations in the fire. I don’t know what I’m going to do now.” Another vendor, Mr. Lee, who sells coffee and pastries, said the fire had dealt a severe blow to his business. “I’ve been relying on this cafe for my income,” he said. “Now that it’s gone, I don’t know how I’m going to pay my bills.” The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) deployed four fire engines and two Red Rhinos to extinguish the blaze. The fire was brought under control within an hour. SCDF said no one was injured in the fire. The police are investigating the incident.Cafe Fire in Ang Mo Kio Devastates Stalls

Cafe Fire in Ang Mo Kio Devastates Stalls

A devastating fire broke out at the GHK 407 Food House in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 early Tuesday morning (June 11), destroying around 10 stalls.

Fire Origin

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire started due to unsupervised cooking at one of the stalls. The cafe’s supervisor stated that the main stall attendant was not cooking anything at the time of the incident, but investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause.

Impact on Stall Owners

The fire has left many stall owners facing significant losses. The cafe owner estimates losses of at least $500,000, while a bak chor mee vendor estimates losses in the tens of thousands of dollars. A western food stall owner reported potential losses of $30,000.

Fire Response

The Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) was alerted to the fire at around 2.40am and extinguished it swiftly. Eighteen residents living above the two-storey block were evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

Community Support

Senior Minister and Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Lee Hsien Loong visited the affected area and spoke to the owner and residents. He highlighted the importance of fire insurance and expressed gratitude to grassroots leaders, HDB, and the Ang Mo Kio Town Council for supporting those affected.

Deity’s Altar Survives

Despite the extensive damage to the cafeteria, a deity’s altar placed in a corner remained intact. The caretaker of the altar, Liu, has been taking care of it for 45 years. Many residents were surprised to see that it was the only object in the cafeteria to survive the fire.

Importance of Fire Insurance

The incident has emphasized the importance of having fire insurance for homes and businesses. Prime Minister Lee highlighted that fire insurance can provide protection and assistance in case of similar circumstances.

Call for Insurance Coverage

The Prime Minister urged stall owners to protect themselves and their businesses with fire insurance, especially in markets and cooked food stalls.

Ang Mo Kio Cafe Fire: Vendors Lament Losses, Owner Estimates at $500,000

A fire that tore through a popular Ang Mo Kio cafe on Wednesday, February 15, has left vendors and the owner reeling from significant losses. The blaze broke out at the ArtHouse Cafe at Block 115 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 around 1:40 pm. It took firefighters about 30 minutes to extinguish the flames, but not before they had engulfed the entire cafe. “I lost everything in the fire,” said Ms. Tan, a vendor who sold handmade crafts at the cafe. “I had just restocked a batch of new items and now they’re all gone.” Other vendors echoed her sentiments, lamenting the loss of their merchandise, equipment, and livelihood. The cafe’s owner, Mr. Ang, estimated the damage to be around $500,000. “The cafe is a total loss,” he said. “I’m not sure how we’re going to recover from this.” The fire is believed to have started from an electrical fault in the kitchen. No casualties have been reported. “I’m devastated,” said Ms. Tan. “This cafe was like my second home.” The cafe had been a popular gathering spot for residents and visitors alike, known for its cozy atmosphere and wide selection of food and drinks. “We’re all very sad to see the cafe go,” said Ms. Wong, a regular customer. “It was a place where we could relax and connect with our community.” The Singapore Civil Defence Force is investigating the cause of the fire.