A fire incident at a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat in Punggol on 26 January 2024 has led to one individual being hospitalised and approximately 60 residents evacuated.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services received an alert around 5:05 am regarding a fire at Block 224A, Sumang Lane. Upon arrival, firefighters noted that thick black smoke was emanating from a seventh-floor unit. The firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, which were primarily contained to a bedroom.
Casualties and Evacuations
- One person was taken to Singapore General Hospital for smoke inhalation.
- Four residents from the troubled unit had evacuated before emergency personnel arrived.
- In total, around 60 neighbouring residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Possible Cause of Fire
According to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was likely caused by electrical issues within the bedroom. They reiterated the importance of adhering to fire safety practices:
- Do not overload power sockets.
- Switch off appliances when not in use.
- Regularly inspect electrical wires, particularly for fraying.
- Avoid running wires under carpets or mats, and keep them away from heat sources.
- Use only electrical products with a Safety Mark.
- Batteries and devices should not be left charging unattended for long periods.
A Reminder for Safety
This incident comes shortly after another tragic fire in Hougang that resulted in three fatalities. The SCDF’s ongoing reminders about electrical safety are crucial to preventing such incidents in the future.