26-1-2025 (SINGAPORE) A predawn electrical fire at a residential block in Punggol forced dozens of residents to flee their homes on Sunday morning, with one person requiring hospitalisation for smoke inhalation.
The blaze erupted at approximately 5:05 AM in a seventh-floor bedroom at Block 224A Sumang Lane, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Upon arrival, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers encountered thick black smoke billowing from the affected unit.
All four occupants of the flat had managed to escape before firefighters reached the scene. Emergency crews swiftly deployed water jets to contain and extinguish the flames, whilst simultaneously coordinating with police to evacuate roughly 60 residents from neighbouring units as a precautionary measure.
One individual affected by smoke inhalation was conveyed to Singapore General Hospital for treatment. Initial investigations point to an electrical fault in the bedroom as the likely cause of the fire.
In light of the incident, authorities have issued fresh warnings about electrical safety in homes. The SCDF emphasised the importance of proper electrical maintenance, cautioning against overloading power outlets and advocating regular inspection of wiring for signs of wear and tear.
“Electrical cables should never be concealed under carpets or runners, nor should they be positioned near heat sources,” a spokesperson noted. The agency also stressed the significance of purchasing electrical appliances bearing approved safety certification marks.
