Were there injuries reported in the hong lim fire?

No. Local reports stated there were no injuries in the hong lim fire. Evacuations were carried out during lunch hour, emergency crews contained the incident, and most of the centre reopened quickly. Five stalls remained closed for electrical inspections to verify safety before a phased return to normal operations.

What can hawkers claim after the hong lim fire?

Typical hawker insurance claims cover property damage, contents, cleaning, and sometimes business interruption if purchased. Coverage depends on the policy wording, sums insured, and excess. Stallholders should keep photos, repair quotes, electrical test results, and invoices to support claims and confirm any limits for electrical incidents and stock spoilage.

Will insurer earnings be hit by the hong lim fire?

We expect limited sector impact. The incident was localized, involved five closed stalls for inspections, and reported no injuries. That points to lower claim severity. Portfolio diversification across many small policies usually tempers earnings swings, though individual claim outcomes depend on electrical damage, downtime cover, and repair timelines.

What immediate steps should stallholders take post-incident?

Ensure safety first, isolate power where advised, and arrange licensed electrical inspections. Document all damage with photos and retain invoices for cleaning and repairs. Notify insurers, landlords, and operators in writing. Do not dispose of damaged items before adjuster review unless safety requires it, and keep records of any necessary disposals.

Law and Government

Singapore Hawker Fire, January 3: Insurance Claims, Safety Checks Hit SMEs

ByDanny Kontos January 3, 2026January 3, 2026

The hong lim fire has put risk management for small F&B firms in focus. A lunchtime blaze on Jan 2 at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre led to evacuations and five stalls closing for electrical checks. No injuries were reported, and most stalls reopened. We explain what the incident means for hawker insurance claims, stallholder compliance, and investor expectations on insurer exposure and SME continuity in Singapore. Our take is grounded in facts and practical guidance for retail investors.