Fire likely caused by PMA breaks out at Yishun HDB staircase landing, disrupts electricity supply

PMA on fire at Yishun staircase landing extinguished by SCDF

A personal mobility aid (PMA) caught fire at the staircase landing of an Yishun HDB block on Sunday (18 Oct), causing the electricity supply for some units to be disrupted.

In footage of the fire posted on TikTok, flames and white smoke were seen coming from the third-floor corridor of Block 438 Yishun Avenue 11.

Crackling of fire & explosion heard at Yishun block

In the clip, loud crackling and popping sounds could also be heard as the fire spread across the entire landing.

At one point, a small explosion occurred, followed by a puff of white smoke.

The panicked voices of residents were also evident.

Several police & firefighters attend to Yishun fire

Another TikTok video showed several fire engines and police vehicles parked next to the block.

A third clip depicted firefighters on two levels of the block.

They were also spotted spraying water on the walls of the landing.

The police had cordoned off a large area at the location.

Numerous members of the public were also waiting near the block after presumably having been evacuated.

Yishun fire involving PMA put out using CAF trolley

In response to queries from MS News, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the fire at about 9.05am on 18 Oct.

It involved a PMA in a common area on level 3, and was extinguished by SCDF using a Compressed Air Foam (CAF) trolley.

No injuries were reported, SCDF noted, adding:

Preliminary findings indicate that the fire had likely originated from a personal mobility aid.

Electricity to disrupted Yishun units should be restored within the day: MP

In a Facebook post on the same day, Nee Soon GRC MP Syed Harun Alhabsyi said the fire broke out at the staircase landing and was “promptly extinguished”.

He posted photos showing himself inspecting the fire damage.

“Electricity to the affected units should be restored before the end of the day,” he noted, thanking SCDF for the swift response and grassroots volunteers for their support.

Residents’ Committee (RC) and town council members were on the ground assisting residents, with the RC Centre made available to those who needed it, he added.

MP & SCDF advise public to observe fire safety

Dr Syed Harun reminded residents to “stay mindful of fire safety” in their daily lives by taking the necessary precautions and looking out for one another, saying:

We can all play a part in keeping our homes and neighbourhood safe.

Meanwhile, SCDF advised users to check out a Land Transport Authority (LTA) advisory for tips on the safe use and charging of PMAs.

Drunk man arrested by police who were attending to fire

In a separate development, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) told MS News that officers were attending to the fire when they encountered a man causing a scene by shouting.

He refused to stop his behaviour when the police engaged him.

The 57-year-old was subsequently arrested for public drunkenness.

Police investigations are ongoing.

Also read: 3 sent to hospital after Punggol fire likely caused by PMA, resident reportedly borrowed it to deliver food

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Featured image adapted from @anish29760 on TikTok and Dr Syed Harun Alhabsyi on Facebook.