Another data centre fire in Singapore

A minor data centre fire occurred in Singapore this morning, resulting in one being taken to hospital for smoke inhalation.

According to the Straits Times, the SCDF was alerted to the blaze at 750C Chai Chee Road around 6 am. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

"Explosion" caused a fire

Here is what we know so far:

• SG. GS says fire started from an "explosion".
• SCDF says fire involved a server rack.
• Put out with dry powder extinguisher.
• Fire sprinkler system was activated.

It is understood that the data centre is still in service, and engineers are now identifying damage.

What likely happened

Unlike the Digital Realty fire last year that started in a battery room and took over a day to completely dampen, this fire appears to be quickly put out.

There are several data centres in the Chai Chee region. Unlike the massive facilities of today, these data centres were constructed years ago and are much smaller.

The evidence here points towards traditional VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid battery) UPS batteries catching fire, which tend to be installed at the bottom of server racks in the past.

Hence these batteries are likely spread out across multiple racks. And unlike lithium-ion batteries, they are not self-oxidising and fires can be put out with traditional firefighting methods.

While rare, VRLA batteries can explode under certain circumstances, such as when there is physical damage or when pressure relief valves are blocked.

What happens in a data centre fire

Data centres are typically equipped with powerful fire suppression systems. Some might flood the affected area with inert gas to extinguish a fire.

However, gas suppression systems do have downsides. They can be complex to install, there is a non-zero risk of accidental discharges, and the gas could be harmful to personnel.

Obviously, water will damage the electronics in servers, though modern systems might use mist for less water use - and less damage. It is doubtful given the age of the facility though.

Hopefully, the damage isn't too extensive.

UnfilteredFriday will return next Friday.