Thick black smoke engulfed Hong Lim Market and Food Centre on Friday afternoon (January 2, 2026) during the peak lunch hour, as firefighters battled a blaze that reportedly started at an 80-year-old hawker’s seafood stall.
Multiple SCDF fire engines responded to the scene at 531A Upper Cross Street, with firefighters deploying water jets to battle the flames. The smoke was visible from several blocks away in Chinatown, with emergency responders cordoning off the area as crowds gathered to watch the dramatic rescue operation unfold.
According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force, they were alerted to the fire at approximately 12:40 PM and deployed three water jets to extinguish flames that had spread through the kitchen exhaust ducting on the second floor. Four people were evacuated, with no injuries reported.
What Witnesses Saw Outside
At the scene, thick grey smoke billowed continuously from the second floor of the hawker centre throughout the afternoon. At least three SCDF fire engines were positioned along Upper Cross Street, with firefighters in full gear working to contain the blaze.
The smoke was dense enough to obscure parts of the building facade, with the acrid smell of burning materials permeating the surrounding streets. Police cordons were set up around the main dining area on the second floor, preventing access while emergency operations continued.
Fire hoses stretched across the road as SCDF personnel maintained their positions for over an hour, ensuring the fire was fully extinguished and conducting safety checks before allowing anyone back inside.
The 80-Year-Old Hawker’s Story
According to Channel News Asia, the fire originated at Ho Kee Seafood stall (unit 02-21), operated by 80-year-old Teo Koon Guan, who has run the business for 23 years.
Mr Teo told CNA that he was outside his stall when another hawker alerted him to flames erupting from his cooking area. The stove flame was reportedly not on at the time, but a hot wok containing oil had been left on the burner, with the fire spreading to the exhaust system above.
The Straits Times reported that Eddy Wan, 46, who runs a nearby Western food stall, witnessed the elderly hawker standing motionless near the flames. “He was just standing there near his wok. It was like he was in shock,” Mr Wan told ST. “I quickly dragged him out, because the fire looked like it was going to reignite.”
Mr Wan recounted to The Straits Times that he had been serving customers when he smelled smoke. “I just dropped everything and ran to help. I wanted to take some water to try to put the flames out but the fire was too big,” he said. After another person used a fire extinguisher, Mr Wan pulled the elderly hawker to safety.
“I was worried for him. I didn’t know what else I could do, but it’s only human to help,” Mr Wan told ST, adding that he suffered no injuries from the rescue.
When allowed back at 3:15 PM to assess damage, Mr Teo told Channel News Asia: “Worrying is no use.” He confirmed he did not suffer burns but faces an uncertain future with his stall shuttered.
Diners Evacuated During Peak Lunch Hour
The fire broke out during one of the busiest periods at the popular Chinatown hawker centre, which houses over 100 stalls.
A Reddit user posted photos of the scene at approximately 12:40 PM, noting that “at least two people ran down the stairs” with bowls of food still in their hands as they evacuated.
The Straits Times reported that an employee at a prata stall opposite the hawker centre, identified as Mr Athi, 23, heard a commotion around 12:30 PM. “There was a lot of black smoke in the air and people were running out,” he told ST. “I wanted to call SCDF but realised that they were already at the scene.”
Another witness, Gerald Tang, 46, who sells fishball noodles several stalls from the seafood stall, told The Straits Times: “It happened very quickly. I was serving customers and the next thing I knew everyone was evacuating.”
Five Stalls Closed, Extensive Water Damage
According to Channel News Asia, the fire’s impact extends beyond the origin stall. Hawker association vice-chairman Heng Check Kwang, 66, told CNA that five stalls in the affected row must remain closed while electrical circuits are inspected.
The inspection process may take more than a week, with affected stalls likely reopening between January 10 and January 12, CNA reported. All affected stalls will be filing fire insurance claims.
Mothership reported that damage extended beyond the fire’s origin due to sprinkler system activation, causing extensive water damage to stalls one aisle away.
Hawkers Sax Peter Choa, 60, and Evelyn Tan, 58, who run Midas Every Touch is Gold prata stall one aisle from the fire, told CNA they initially continued cooking when they saw white smoke, assuming it was not serious.
“While our stall was cleared to open for business, when can we actually resume given the damage?” Mr Choa told CNA. He added that it was fortunate no one was injured.
SCDF Response and Investigation
The Singapore Civil Defence Force stated they were alerted to the incident at 12:40 PM and firefighters extinguished the blaze using three water jets.
The fire involved kitchen exhaust ducting on the second floor of the building, SCDF confirmed. Four people were evacuated as a precautionary measure, with no injuries reported.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by SCDF, according to their official statement.
The Straits Times reported that eyewitnesses estimated fire engines arrived within approximately 10 minutes of the initial alert.
What Happens Next
According to Channel News Asia, affected hawkers face the following timeline:
- Electrical safety inspections (estimated completion: January 10-12)
- Filing insurance claims for fire and water damage
- Replacing damaged equipment and signage
- Discarding spoiled inventory
- Lost income during closure period
The majority of Hong Lim Food Centre remains open for business, with only the affected section on the second floor cordoned off pending investigation and repairs.
Key Facts: Hong Lim Food Centre Fire
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Friday, January 2, 2026, 12:40 PM |
| Location | 531A Upper Cross Street, Hong Lim Market & Food Centre (2nd floor) |
| Origin | Ho Kee Seafood (Unit 02-21), operated by 80-year-old hawker |
| Cause | Kitchen exhaust ducting fire (under SCDF investigation) |
| SCDF Response | 3 water jets deployed, 4 people evacuated |
| Injuries | None reported |
| Stalls Closed | 5 stalls (electrical inspection required) |
| Expected Reopening | January 10-12, 2026 |
| Additional Damage | Water damage from sprinkler activation |
| Sources | SCDF, The Straits Times, Channel News Asia, Mothership |
