Public put out fire that engulfed PMA at Hougang
An unattended Personal Mobility Aid (PMA) suddenly burst into flames along a pavement in Hougang, sending thick soot and smoke across the walkway before members of the public stepped in to extinguish the blaze.
The incident occurred near Block 231 Hougang Street 21, where the fire intensified so rapidly that a battery cell was seen ejecting from the device and slamming into a nearby pillar.
Fire intensified as it travelled underneath PMA seat
On Thursday (11 Dec), a TikTok user spotted the PMA burning behind a row of bushes near an outdoor car park.
Source: @joshdoug on TikTok
When the Original Poster (OP) approached the scene, he realised that the fire was concentrated around the PMA’s two rear wheels, with soot already coating the pavement.
Source: @joshdoug on TikTok
The flames soon spread, travelling under the seat, presumably where the PMA’s batteries were located.
Source: @joshdoug on TikTok
Suddenly, the fire intensified, and sparks shot out from the device.
This rapid escalation generated more soot and smoke, accompanied by loud crackling noises.
Source: @joshdoug on TikTok
Subsequently, the blaze consumed the entire lower section of the mobility device.
Source: @joshdoug on TikTok
At the end of the video, what appeared to be a battery cell even flew out of the PMA.
Source: @joshdoug on TikTok
It struck a nearby pillar before landing on the ground, where it continued to burn.
Source: @joshdoug on TikTok
“This is why regulations are needed,” the OP said. “Just glad there is no disabled person on the PMA.”
Fire doused using dry powder extinguisher
In response to queries by MS News, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that they were alerted to the incident at about 11.10am.
Members of the public put out the fire using a dry powder fire extinguisher, and there were no reported injuries.
Additionally, SCDF reported that preliminary investigations suggest the fire had originated from the PMA.
SCDF reminded the public not to purchase or use non-original batteries for their active mobility devices, including Personal Mobility Devices (PMD) and Power Assisted Bicycles (PABs).
The public should also refrain from charging the batteries for an extended period of time or overnight.
For tips on the safe use and charging of such devices, the public may refer to this advisory by SCDF and the Land Transport Authority.
Also read: Why PMDs catch fire & how users in S’pore can prevent blazes from happening
Why PMDs catch fire & how users in S’pore can prevent blazes from happening
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Featured image adapted from @joshdoug on TikTok.
