SINGAPORE — Waking up to the acrid smell of smoke, undoubtedly from a nearby fire, Mr Mackay leaped into action to get everyone out of the house early yesterday morning. The 36-year-old British national and his wife quickly roused their four children, aged between two and six, and hurried them to the grass patch outside their home.

Speaking to reporters, the tenant of 42 Jalan Gaharu recounted the fear he felt for his two-year-old twin daughters, whose room was closest to the fire that was raging at the converted Taoist house temple next door.

But while Mr Mackay and his family were able to escape safely, the blaze claimed the lives of a father and son who were the occupants of the house temple at 40 Jalan Gaharu. Both were Malaysian permanent residents and the younger man was said to be around 22 years old.

Another three occupants were taken to the National University Hospital, including the 63-year-old Malaysian temple priest, Madam Ng. The other two are Filipino tenants who have since been discharged.

According to a relative of Mdm Ng, the father had run out from the burning compound but went back in to save his son. Neither emerged alive.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the fire at 4.16am. Firefighters took half an hour to extinguish it.

The father and son were pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene and the police are investigating the unnatural deaths. The cause of the fire is also being investigated.

When TODAY visited 40 Jalan Gaharu yesterday, the house had been razed to the ground, save for a golden religious statue that sat gleaming among charred remains. Firefighters were still on the site clearing debris.

At about 3pm, Mdm Ng’s family members and friends arrived to collect valuables, including two big and badly charred metal safes. Her daughter, 42-year-old Mary Lee, confirmed she was the owner of the house and said her mother was fine.

Mdm Ng had to climb out of the back door onto the neighbour’s roof to escape, said her cousin, Mdm Koh, 70.

Having visited her in hospital earlier, she added that Mdm Ng, who arrived from Malaysia on Saturday afternoon, was able to speak but was crying due to discomfort from inhaling fumes.

Other neighbours said many residents had fled their homes as they feared the flames would reach them.

Mr Neo Tiam Chong was among the many households who had called the SCDF. The 75-year-old, who has lived in the estate for more than 20 years, said it was the first time such an incident has taken place. “The fire was huge with big, blue flames,” he said.

Member of Parliament (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC) Sim Ann said she was at the scene yesterday morning to speak with some of the survivors, the police and SCDF officers. “We are in touch with the affected parties and will see how best to support them,” she wrote in a Facebook post.