Today (12 March), a portable power bank caught fire in a serviced apartment in Balestier.
Responding to queries from MS News, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that they were alerted to the fire at about 5.30am this morning.
About 100 residents had evacuated from the premises before SCDF officers arrived at the scene.
According to Shin Min Daily News, the fire took place at 207 Balestier Road. The location corresponds to Citadines Balestier, a serviced residence that rests atop three floors of retail spaces.
In response to MS News‘ queries, SCDF shared that a power bank had caught fire in a bedroom on the 26th floor of the building.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.
Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, Mr Xue (name transliterated from Chinese) — a tourist — said there was a strong smoke smell along the corridors. He was in the guest room on the eighth floor when the incident occurred.
The interviewee also pointed out that dozens of people were waiting downstairs by the time he got down.
SCDF confirmed that around 100 residents were evacuated from the premises.
Firefighters subsequently extinguished the fire using a hose reel.
SCDF paramedics assessed a person for smoke inhalation. The individual later declined to be conveyed to the hospital.
In a statement to MS News, a spokesperson at the property said:
In the morning of 12 March 2024, a small fire broke out in one of our apartments due to a guest’s faulty mobile powerbank. We immediately notified the authorities, and the fire has since been put out. In the interest of safety, all occupants were evacuated. No one was injured and there is minimal disruption to operations at the property. All guests have since returned to their apartments. Thorough inspections will be carried out to ensure that the property is safe for continued occupation. We will give our full cooperation to assist the authorities in their investigations.
Also read: Commuters Disembark At Somerset MRT After Power Bank Catches Fire, No Injuries Reported
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Featured image adapted from Booking.com and Dmitry Andreev on Canva Pro. Picture on the right is for illustration purposes only.
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