The massive Bukit Ho Swee Fire of 1961

The Bukit Ho Swee Fire, which occurred in the afternoon of 25th May 1961, was the biggest fire outbreak in Singapore's history. However, the cause of the fire was never established. A total of 4 people died in the massive fire, 2,800 homes were destroyed and more than 16,000 people were homeless overnight.









Shortly after the disaster, the government declared a national state of emergency. The temporary relief centres for the fire victims were located in schools of the area. However, as the conditions there were unsanitary, the government gave priority plans to rehouse victims into newly built flats where some of them were resettled in Tiong Bahru and Queenstown. For the next 9 months, the HDB built the first 5 blocks of 768 flats which is considered a pivotal point in the development of public housing of Singapore.




A 1988 SBC local documentary "Diary of the Nation" with the survivors sharing their experiences.

To look at the development of Bukit Ho Swee, click on the following links below:
https://rememberinghdbestates.blogspot.sg/2018/03/the-development-of-bukit-ho-swee-estate.html
https://rememberinghdbestates.blogspot.sg/2018/04/a-new-bukit-ho-swee.html

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