Refused to Unplug Powerbank, HDB Flat Burns and Gets Evicted, 8-Month-Old Inhales Smoke
In a dramatic incident that highlights the dangers of charging electronic devices unattended, a landlord in Jurong West has evicted a tenant after a fire — allegedly caused by a power bank — broke out in a rented bedroom. The fire not only damaged property but also endangered a young family living in the same flat.
The fire occurred at around 11am on 5 July 2025, at Block 339B Kang Ching Road. According to the homeowner, Ms Zhu, the power bank exploded while being charged inside a locked room. Thick smoke quickly filled the flat, sending her into a panic as her eight-month-old baby and teenage son were inside at the time.
“I was having breakfast when I heard a loud noise,” recounted Ms Zhu. “When I opened the door, smoke came pouring out. My husband thought someone was burning incense, but it was much worse.”, reported Shin Min Daily News.
Thick Smoke, Melted Furniture, and a Damaged Air-Con
The room — which was rented to one of four long-term tenants — was engulfed in flames when Ms Zhu opened the door. Her husband reacted swiftly, using five buckets of water to douse the fire before it could spread.
Photos provided by the homeowner show the extensive damage: a charred mattress, melted cabinet, disfigured plastic containers, and walls blackened by soot. The air-conditioning unit, already over a decade old, was also damaged by the heat and smoke.
A burnt-out power bank was discovered among the debris, believed to be the cause of the blaze. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. Paramedics assessed the infant on-site for smoke inhalation, advising the family to monitor for breathing difficulties.
Landlord Says Safety Advice Ignored, Tenant Showed “No Remorse”
Ms Zhu revealed that she had previously reminded all her tenants not to leave devices charging when they weren’t home. Despite this, the tenant allegedly left the power bank charging before heading out.
“Not only did he ignore my warning, but he also didn’t apologise after the incident. He just said he was unlucky,” she shared. Frustrated and fearing for her family’s safety, Ms Zhu issued an eviction notice, and the tenant agreed to vacate the room.
While the tenant agreed to replace a mattress and cabinet — one of which belonged to another tenant — he was not asked to pay for the air-con damage. Ms Zhu explained that the unit was rarely used and had already surpassed its expected lifespan.
Power Bank Fire Sparks Concerns Over Home Safety in Rental Units
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed they were alerted to the fire but arrived after it had been extinguished by residents. One person was treated for minor injuries but declined hospitalisation. The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Ms Zhu estimated that repainting the room would cost about S$680, a cost she now has to bear. Since the incident, she has been experiencing anxiety around charging electronics and is considering stricter rules for future tenants.
This case serves as a reminder for landlords and tenants alike to practise fire safety, especially when it comes to charging electronic devices like power banks, e-cigarettes, or smartphones. Authorities recommend using certified charging equipment and never leaving devices unattended while charging.
For families living in shared units, this incident also raises questions about home insurance coverage, rental liability, and tenant safety responsibilities.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News