A fire involving a personal mobility device (PMD) along a residential corridor in Woodlands has left part of a Housing and Development Board (HDB) block badly damaged, raising fresh concerns over battery safety and corridor clutter in high-rise living environments.
According to Shin Min Daily News, The incident occurred on the 12th floor of Block 693D Woodlands Avenue 6, where flames rapidly engulfed the common corridor. Thick smoke and intense heat reportedly spread through the passageway, alarming residents and forcing evacuations.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force confirmed it was alerted to the blaze at about 6pm. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire using a hose, preventing it from spreading further into residential units.
One individual was assessed for smoke inhalation and later conveyed to Singapore General Hospital, while another person who felt unwell was taken to Woodlands Health Campus for further checks.
CORRIDOR FIRE TRIGGERED BY PMD BATTERY
Preliminary findings suggest that the fire likely originated from the battery of the PMD. Lithium-ion battery fires are known to ignite rapidly and can be difficult to control once they escalate.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing several small explosions before flames intensified, a common characteristic of battery-related fires. Videos and photos from the scene showed the corridor severely charred, with debris scattered across the walkway.
Responders were also seen clearing bulky items that had been placed along the corridor, including furniture and delivery-related equipment. Such obstructions can worsen fire situations by fuelling flames and hindering evacuation efforts.
Investigations revealed that multiple items—including at least one PMD and several bicycles—were stored outside the unit, all believed to belong to the same resident.
OWNER CLAIMS DEVICE WAS UNUSED FOR MONTHS
The 59-year-old owner of the PMD stated that the device had not been in use for around six months. He explained that it had previously been used for food delivery but was left outside the flat after it became faulty.
According to him, a prior inspection had deemed the battery “dead”, and due to limited indoor space, the PMD was kept along the corridor. He also expressed confusion over the authorities’ assessment that the fire originated from the battery.
At the time of the incident, the owner was reportedly away visiting family for Hari Raya Puasa. He added that he keeps another electric bicycle inside his home and had never experienced such an incident before.
FIRE SAFETY CONCERNS IN HIGH-RISE LIVING
The incident has once again highlighted fire safety risks linked to personal mobility devices, particularly in densely populated HDB estates. Even unused or damaged batteries can pose hazards if left unattended for extended periods.
Authorities advise residents to avoid charging devices overnight or for prolonged periods, refrain from modifying mobility devices, and only use manufacturer-approved batteries.
Equally important is keeping common corridors clear of obstructions. Items left along escape routes not only increase fire load but can delay emergency response and evacuation during critical moments.
As investigations continue, the case serves as a stark reminder that fire risks can arise unexpectedly—even from devices believed to be no longer functional—underscoring the importance of proper storage, disposal, and adherence to safety guidelines in Singapore’s urban housing landscape.
Image Source: Shin Min Daily News