A 64-year-old Singaporean man has been arrested following a residential fire at a private apartment in Kovan, after he allegedly set alight items inside the unit.
The incident occurred at a development along Sirat Road, identified as Vina Lodge. According to police, officers were alerted to the blaze at around 4pm. The man was subsequently detained on suspicion of committing mischief by fire, an offence that carries serious legal consequences under Singapore law.
Preliminary information reported by Chinese-language evening daily Shin Min Daily News suggests that the fire may have been preceded by a dispute between the man and his wife, who is also believed to be in her 60s. It is understood that after the argument, the man allegedly began burning clothing in one of the rooms. The flames reportedly escalated and spread, resulting in a larger fire within the unit.
Neighbours Describe Smoke, Evacuation
Residents in the vicinity described a chaotic scene as thick smoke poured from the affected third-floor unit. One neighbour living directly opposite the apartment said he was working from home when the electricity supply was suddenly cut. Upon stepping outside, he noticed dense smoke in the corridor and heard shouts alerting others to the fire.
More than 20 residents are believed to have evacuated the building as a precaution. Another neighbour shared that the couple had moved into the development roughly three years ago and were occasionally visited by their children. According to the account, the man apologised to neighbours before being escorted away by police officers.
A video circulating on TikTok showed flames visible through a window as dark smoke billowed into the sky, drawing attention from passers-by and nearby residents.
Firefighter Injured During Operation
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that three occupants of the affected unit had evacuated before emergency responders arrived at the scene. Firefighters discovered that a bedroom was on fire and deployed a water jet to contain and extinguish the blaze.
During the operation, one firefighter sustained a minor burn injury. He was assessed at the scene by an SCDF paramedic before being conveyed to Singapore General Hospital for further treatment. His condition has been described as minor.
Police investigations into the cause and circumstances surrounding the fire are ongoing. Cases involving alleged mischief by fire are treated with gravity in Singapore, particularly in high-density residential settings where such incidents pose significant risks to life and property.
Residents in private condominiums and landed properties are often reminded to ensure proper fire safety measures are in place, including adequate home insurance coverage and functioning smoke detection systems, especially amid rising concerns over residential fire hazards in urban estates.