Extent of Sumang Punggol flat fire caught on video, 1 person sent to hospital, 60 others evacuated

A fire broke out at a flat at Block 224A Sumang Lane in Punggol at about 5:05am on Sunday, Jan. 26.

One person was taken to hospital and 60 others evacuated.

The extent of the early morning blaze was caught on video.

A resident in the opposite block recorded the scene, which showed the extent of the fire as black smoke was seen coming out of a seventh floor unit window.

Residents evacuated

The fire was extinguished by firefighters, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said in a Facebook post.

It had likely started from an electrical source in the bedroom, SCDF said citing preliminary findings.

The person conveyed to Singapore General Hospital was assessed by a paramedic for smoke inhalation.

Four people in the flat had evacuated before the firefighters' arrival.

Another 60 people from neighbouring units were also evacuated by the police and SCDF as a precautionary measure.

SCDF reminded people not to overload power sockets with electrical appliances and to switch them off when they are not in use.

Batteries and devices should not be left to charge unattended for an extended period of time or overnight.

People should also check wires regularly, and frayed wires should be replaced or repaired immediately.

Wires should should be kept away from hot surfaces and not run under carpets or mats.

Appliances and electrical plugs with the Safety Mark should be used.

Previous fire in Sumang

Less than two weeks before this incident, two people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 229A Sumang Lane on Jan. 14, at about 11pm.

About 60 other people were also evacuated from the neighbouring units.

The fire involved an overheated cooking stove and was extinguished with a water jet.

Top images via @nmax9904 & SCDF