The Singapore Civil Defence Force was alerted to the fire at Woodlands Evangelical Free Church at about 3.45am. -- PHOTO: MARIAM JAAFAR/FACEBOOK via The Straits Times/ANN
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Woodlands Evangelical Free Church caught fire early on Sept 28, with preliminary findings pointing to the audio system in the church’s auditorium as the likely cause.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the fire at 1 Woodlands Street 83 at about 3.45am.
The fire involved the audio system in the church’s auditorium on the fourth floor, and was extinguished by SCDF with a water jet.
There were no reported injuries, said SCDF.
Mariam Jaafar, the Sembawang GRC MP representing Woodlands, said in a Facebook post at 10.41am the same day that dampening operations were ongoing.
She said residents had reported the incident when they spotted smoke coming out of an open window at the church, adding that she was grateful no one was on the premises when the fire occurred.
Church services have been moved online, said Ms Mariam, citing church chairman Lau Te Neng.
Lim Kee Oon, the church’s senior pastor, told The Straits Times that he was alerted to the fire just before 4am by a member of the church who lives in its vicinity.
He went to the church to assess the situation and informed the church board at about 5am.
Church services will be held online for the next few weeks, he added, as total restoration may take some months.
“We’re grateful for the many messages of appreciation and prayer from our members at our online service this morning and over WhatsApp,” Mr Lim said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the pastors from other churches who have shown their concern, the firefighters “who worked very hard this morning”, and Mariam. - The Straits Times/ANN
