Single branch of a tree catches fire in Queenstown, put out by SCDF

No injuries reported after 1 branch of tree catches fire in Queenstown

One branch of a tree caught fire in the Queenstown area on Thursday (22 Oct), but curiously the flames did not spread to the rest of the tree.

Footage of the incident posted on TikTok showed a single branch alight outside Margaret Drive Food Centre.

Firefighters climb Queenstown block, spray fire on tree

According to the video, firefighters were already at the scene and had climbed up the staircase of a nearby block to reach the fire.

They then sprayed the fire from there as a crowd gathered to watch.

However, the fire persisted despite being sprayed directly by the jet of water.

Netizens wonder how tree branch caught fire

In the comments, netizens wondered how the fire could have started, with one speculating that someone had thrown a flame into the hollow tree trunk.

This could be why it continued burning despite water being sprayed at it, they said.

Another user suggested that the tree had been struck by lightning.

But a commenter explained that the tree’s hollow interior can catch fire and burn even while its outer bark stays intact.

Fire on tree put out by SCDF

In response to queries from MS News, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the fire at about 6.50pm on 22 Oct.

It was spotted on a branch of a tree at Block 38A Margaret Drive — the address of Margaret Driver Hawker Centre.

The blaze was extinguished by SCDF using a hosereel and a water jet.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Also read: Tall tree catches fire in Taman Jurong, reportedly after pest control removed beehive

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Featured image adapted from @romanstanfanclub37 on TikTok.