Shocking Fire in Tampines Flat Linked to E-Bike Battery

SINGAPORE - This past Christmas Eve turned into a frightening ordeal for residents in Tampines, as about 50 people were hastily evacuated from their homes due to a sudden fire in a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) revealed that the inferno seems to have ignited from a power-assisted bicycle (PAB) battery that was charging in a bedroom.

Firefighting Response

At around 9:40 PM, firefighters from Tampines and Changi Fire Stations rushed to Block 921 along Tampines Street 91, only to be greeted by a plume of black smoke billowing from the first-floor unit. Fortunately, the occupants were not home at the time of the incident. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire using a water jet, averting what could have been a more disastrous situation.

Precautionary Evacuations

Authorities took the precaution of evacuating approximately 50 nearby residents to ensure their safety. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and ambulance services were not required.

Public Safety Warning

Residents are now being warned about the dangers of charging batteries for extended periods or leaving them unattended. The SCDF emphasizes that using non-original batteries for mobility devices can pose serious risks. This warning comes in light of alarming trends—the SCDF reported a staggering 31% increase in fires linked to active mobility devices, rising to 55 incidents in 2023 from just 42 in 2022. This marks a concerning reversal of the previously declining trend of such fires between 2019 and 2022.

Previous Incidents

Earlier this year, on August 23, more than 100 residents in Yishun faced similar evacuation measures following two separate fires believed to have been caused by malfunctioning batteries in mobility devices.

Conclusion and Safety Reminder

As the holiday season continues, the SCDF urges the public to remain vigilant and responsible when dealing with battery-operated devices, reminding everyone that safety should always come first. Stay tuned for further updates as authorities continue to investigate this alarming incident.