A fire broke out at Block 71, Redhill Road, earlier today (14 August). The incident, which occurred at approximately 7:20am, took place on the 7th floor unit of the HDB block.
The Emergence of a Blaze
The SCDF was alerted to the situation at Block 71, Redhill Road, where a fire had broken out. SCDF firefighters from Alexandra Fire Station and Marina Bay Fire Station, conducted a forcible entry into the unit, breaking the padlock of the metal gate that barred their way.
As the firefighters entered the unit, they were met with flames flickering in the corner of the living room. The SCDF swiftly initiated firefighting procedures, extinguishing the fire using several buckets of water.
Inside a toilet located at the rear of the kitchen, three children were found, struggling to escape the clutches of the engulfing smoke.
The firefighters carried the children to safety. An ambulance crew assessed the children, and they were subsequently conveyed to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital for smoke inhalation.
Amidst the unfolding drama, SCDF’s response extended beyond firefighting and rescue. In collaboration with the police, approximately 25 individuals from neighboring units were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the fire originated from the batteries of two personal mobility devices (PMD) that were being charged in the living room. This unfortunate incident underscores the potential dangers associated with improper charging practices.
SCDF’s statement
[Fire @ Blk 71, Redhill Road]
At about 7:20am today, SCDF was alerted to a fire at the abovementioned location.
Upon arrival, SCDF firefighters were alerted by residents that there were occupants trapped inside the smoke-logged unit on the 7th floor. SCDF firefighters from Alexandra Fire Station and Marina Bay Fire Station immediately conducted forcible entry into the unit by breaking the padlock of the metal gate.
The fire was located at the corner of the living room and was extinguished by SCDF with several buckets of water. While the fire was being extinguished, another team of firefighters that were searching the premises found three children inside the toilet at the back of the kitchen. The children were carried out from the unit by the firefighters and assessed by an ambulance crew. All three children were conveyed to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital for smoke inhalation.
Before SCDF’s arrival, two persons from the affected unit managed to evacuate through a bedroom window. They were assessed for smoke inhalation but declined to be sent to the hospital.
In the midst of SCDF’s operation, five cats were also brought out of the affected unit.
About 25 persons from neighbouring units were evacuated by the SCDF and Police as a precautionary measure.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the fire had likely originated from the batteries of two personal mobility devices (PMD) that were charging in the living room.
SCDF would like to remind the public on the prevention of PMD/PAB fires, including not to charge batteries for an extended period of time or overnight. Do not purchase or use non-original batteries. See the accompanying infographic for more fire safety tips.
