The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said in a statement on Facebook that a fire broke out at a HDB unit at Block 511 West Coast Drive last night (20 May) at about 11.15pm
About 160 residents from the block had evacuated before the arrival of the SCDF, including the 6 occupants of the affected unit, and no injuries were reported.
According to the SCDF’s preliminary investigations, the fire had likely started from the battery pack of a Power Assisted Bicycle (PAB) that was charging.
SCDF’s statement on Facebook
[Fire @ Block 511 West Coast Drive]
At about 11:15 p.m. yesterday (20 May), SCDF was alerted to a fire in a 12th floor unit at the abovementioned location.
The fire, which involved the contents of a bedroom, was extinguished by firefighters from Clementi Fire Station using a water jet.
Six occupants from the affected unit evacuated prior to SCDF’s arrival. There were no reported injuries.
Approximately 160 residents from the block had evacuated prior to SCDF’s arrival.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the fire had likely originated from the battery pack of a Power Assisted Bicycle (PAB) which was charging in the bedroom.
SCDF would like to remind the public on the prevention of PMD/PAB fires, including not charging 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.
Similar cases of fire(s) caused by PABs/PMDs
Earlier this week, a fire broke out at the 4th floor unit of Block 443C Fernvale Road, with the fire involving the contents of the living room.
The fire had likely originated from the battery pack of a Personal Mobility Device (PMD) that was charging in the living room.
Firefighters found three persons in separate bedrooms inside the burning unit while putting out the fire and rescued the occupants, and they were then sent to the hospital for smoke inhalation.
About 50 people had evacuated from the neighbouring unit(s) before the arrival of the SCDF, and another 3 more people from a neighbouring unit were evacuated by the police and SCDF.