SINGAPORE – A fire, suspected to have originated from an electrical fault, erupted in a condominium unit located on the 15th floor of the Global Ville in Balestier on March 12, leaving residents shaken but unharmed.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to the emergency call at approximately 5:15 PM, swiftly mobilizing their firefighting teams to the scene at 20 Jalan Raja Udang. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was confined to the utility room and adjacent service yard of the affected unit, employing powerful water jets to bring the situation under control.

Dramatic footage from the incident shows thick black smoke rising ominously from the top of the 16-story building, raising concerns among the community. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, highlighting the effectiveness of emergency response efforts.

SCDF officials have taken this opportunity to remind residents of the importance of fire safety. They strongly advise against overloading power sockets and emphasize the need to turn off electrical appliances when not in use, as these practices can significantly mitigate the risk of fire hazards.

In light of the incident, it’s worth noting that in 2024, the SCDF fielded a staggering 1,990 fire-related calls, with 968 of those involving residential properties. Interestingly, these figures mark a steady trend, as only two fewer residential fires were recorded in 2023. The leading causes of home fires in the past year were identified as unattended cooking, accounting for 35% of incidents, and electrical malfunctions, contributing to 31%.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to fire safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. As fires continue to pose a significant risk, every precaution taken at home counts in safeguarding lives and properties.

Stay safe, stay informed!