SINGAPORE – A dramatic fire erupted in a Housing Board flat located in Ang Mo Kio on November 10, when a washing machine unexpectedly caught fire.

Residents living in the bustling community were taken by surprise when flames engulfed the service yard of a 20th-floor unit during the afternoon.

Investigation and Emergency Response

Preliminary investigations conducted by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) suggest that the blaze was likely triggered by electrical faults within the washing machine.

Emergency services were alerted to the chaotic scene at Block 260B Ang Mo Kio Street 21 around 3:25 PM. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries in this potentially devastating incident.

Witness Accounts and Community Response

Footage shared with The Straits Times reveals intense flames shooting from the unit, with black smoke visibly engulfing floors above the affected flat.

Witnesses recounted the terrifying sight and spoke of how members of the community quickly sprang into action.

Before the SCDF arrived, courageous bystanders utilized buckets of water and a dry-powder fire extinguisher to control the flames, showcasing the heroic spirit of Ang Mo Kio residents.

Fire Safety Concerns

This incident is a reminder of a concerning trend in fire safety in Singapore.

According to SCDF statistics, the nation has witnessed a significant rise in fire incidents in 2023. There were a staggering 1,954 fires reported, marking an 8.6 percent increase from 2022.

Out of these, 970 occurred in residential buildings, reflecting a 3.7 percent rise compared to the previous year.

Alarming statistics revealed that the leading causes of these fires were largely electrical-related, accounting for 597 incidents, followed closely by 456 cases of unattended cooking.

Call to Action

As residents continue to enjoy the comforts of modern appliances, vigilance regarding electrical safety must be a priority to prevent such hazardous occurrences.

The SCDF encourages homeowners to regularly check their electrical goods and use them according to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure safety for all.