Unexpected Blaze at Yakiniku Like Leaves Customers Astonished and Ceiling Charred

Fire Scare at Yakiniku Like: A Dinner Gone Awry

What was meant to be a delightful evening of yakiniku turned into a chaotic scene for diners at Yakiniku Like’s Junction 8 outlet. On Sunday, May 19, around 8pm, a grill caught fire, prompting a swift evacuation.

Smoke Signals: A Customer’s Account

Mr. Liu, a customer dining nearby, recounted his experience. “I suddenly noticed the smell of smoke while enjoying my meal,” he said. He quickly spotted smoke billowing from a grill at a nearby table. Thankfully, the fire was small, and the restaurant staff acted fast, using a fire extinguisher to control the flames in under two minutes.

The diners at the affected table were understandably startled and quickly moved away. Despite the scare, many evacuated customers returned to finish their meals once the situation was under control.

Emergency Response and Investigation

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) were alerted and arrived on the scene shortly after. By 9pm, when reporters visited, the restaurant was empty, and parts of the ceiling showed signs of the fire. The SCDF confirmed they received the alert at 8:20pm, and by then, brave members of the public had already used fire extinguishers and blankets to tackle the flames.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. Yakiniku Like has since apologised for the inconvenience caused, stressing that customer and employee safety is their top priority. “The fire was quickly controlled, and there were no injuries or significant damage,” a spokesperson said.

Safety Measures Under Review

In light of this incident, Yakiniku Like is taking proactive steps. They will conduct thorough inspections of all grills at the Junction 8 outlet and other branches. Affected tables will be cordoned off for repairs and investigations. The spokesperson assured that existing safety protocols will be reviewed to prevent future occurrences.

This isn’t the first time a fire has broken out at a Yakiniku Like restaurant. In November 2022, a similar incident occurred at their Paya Lebar Quarter Mall outlet, leading to an evacuation of diners and staff.

Community Response and Safety Awareness

A netizen, Jazminandaya, shared a video of the incident on TikTok, capturing the panic as thick smoke filled the restaurant. Many customers were seen holding their noses and covering their faces, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safety measures in dining establishments. It’s an opportunity for businesses to reassess and strengthen their safety protocols. Customers, too, should remain vigilant and familiarise themselves with safety procedures in public spaces.

Moving Forward: Enhancing Safety Protocols

So, how can restaurants effectively review and enhance their safety protocols to prevent similar incidents? Here are a few suggestions:

– **Identify Gaps**: Assess what specific safety measures were lacking during the incident.
– **Engage Experts**: Involve relevant authorities or safety experts in the review process.
– **Staff Training**: Provide comprehensive training for staff on emergency procedures.
– **Customer Awareness**: Educate customers on safety protocols to foster a culture of safety consciousness.

By taking these steps, businesses can create a safer dining environment for everyone.

For more information on safety protocols, visit the Singapore Civil Defence Force website.