A fire broke out at Block 243 Serangoon Avenue 2 yesterday, 16th July, causing concern and prompting a swift response from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). The fire occurred at approximately 6:10 p.m. in a bedroom on the seventh floor of the residential building.
Upon receiving the alert, SCDF firefighters were dispatched to the scene promptly. On arrival, they found the flames engulfing the bedroom in a unit on the seventh floor. Acting quickly, firefighters used both a water jet and a Compressed Air Foam (CAF) backpack to successfully extinguish the fire.
Thankfully, no occupants were inside the unit at the time of the incident, ensuring there were no injuries to residents. However, SCDF firefighters discovered a cat trapped in the living room of the affected unit. The cat was skillfully rescued and brought to safety by the courageous firefighters.
As a precautionary measure, eight residents from neighbouring units were temporarily evacuated by the Police to ensure their safety during the firefighting operation.
Based on preliminary investigations, authorities suspect that the fire’s cause was of electrical origin, originating from the affected room.
SCDF’s statement
[Fire @ Block 243 Serangoon Avenue 2]
Earlier today (16 July) at about 6:10 p.m., SCDF was alerted to a fire at the abovementioned location.
Upon SCDF’s arrival, the fire was raging inside a bedroom of a unit on the seven floor. The fire was extinguished by firefighters using a water jet and a Compressed Air Foam (CAF) backpack. No one was inside the unit at the time of fire.
A cat was found in the living room of the affected unit by SCDF firefighters and brought out to safety.
Eight residents from the neighbouring units were evacuated by the Police as a precautionary measure.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the fire is likely to have been caused by an electrical origin in the affected room.
SCDF would like to remind the public on good practices to prevent electrical fires from occurring:
a) Do not overload electrical outlets with electrical appliances;
b) Always switch off appliances when they are not in use;
c) Check the appliance for frayed wires or cracked cords. If observed, the appliance should be repaired or replaced. Do not use faulty appliances;
d) Do not run wires under carpets or mats and keep wires away from hot surfaces;
e) Use appliances and electrical plugs bearing the Safety Mark. The categories of appliances can be found at http://www.consumerproductsafety.gov.sg ;
f) Do not leave batteries or devices charging unattended for an extended period of time or overnight.