A white van was badly damaged after it caught fire while parked at an HDB carpark in Pasir Ris on Saturday evening (Aug. 1), prompting a response from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
The incident happened at a carpark near Block 127 Pasir Ris Street 11, where flames were seen engulfing the front section of the vehicle. Thick black smoke could also be seen rising into the sky, attracting the attention of nearby residents.
Videos circulating online showed the fire concentrated around the van’s engine compartment, with the front of the vehicle sustaining extensive damage. Fortunately, the surrounding parking lots were largely empty, reducing the risk of the blaze spreading to nearby vehicles.
SCDF Extinguished Blaze Using Water Jet and Foam
According to the SCDF, firefighters were alerted to the incident at approximately 5.10pm on Saturday.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found that the fire involved the van’s engine compartment. The blaze was brought under control using a water jet together with a compressed air foam trolley, preventing it from spreading further.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and no evacuations were required. The authorities have since confirmed that investigations are underway to determine what caused the fire.
Engine Fires Can Occur Without Warning
Although the exact cause has yet to be established, engine compartment fires can occur for a variety of reasons. Common causes include electrical faults, overheating components, leaking fuel or engine oil, and mechanical failures.
Motorists are generally advised to keep up with regular vehicle servicing and to pay attention to warning signs such as unusual burning smells, smoke, overheating, or dashboard warning lights. Addressing these issues promptly may reduce the risk of a vehicle fire.
In situations where a vehicle catches fire, drivers should move to a safe location if possible, leave the vehicle immediately, keep others away from the area, and contact emergency services without delay rather than attempting to tackle a large fire themselves.
The cause of the Pasir Ris van fire remains under investigation by the relevant authorities.