Serangoon North flat fire: 4 sent to hospital, fire likely started in bedroom & of electrical origin

A fire broke out at a Serangoon North flat and four people were taken to hospital.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said on Facebook on Tuesday that it was alerted to the fire at Block 502 Serangoon North Avenue 4 on Sep. 16 at about 8pm.

Bedroom on fire

One of the bedrooms of the seventh-floor HDB unit was on fire, which was extinguished with a water jet.

Preliminary findings suggest that the fire started in the bedroom and had an electrical origin.

Three people from the unit had evacuated before SCDF arrived.

One of them suffered minor burn injuries.

Together with the three occupants from the same unit, another resident from a neighbouring unit were assessed for smoke inhalation and taken to Singapore General Hospital.

About 50 people from the affected block were also evacuated as a precautionary measure.

Precautionary measures

SCDF reminded the public to not overload electrical outlets with electrical appliances, to always switch off appliances when they are not in use, and to check the condition of wires regularly.

Frayed wires or cracked cords should be replaced or repaired immediately, SCDF added.

People should keep wires away from hot surfaces and not run them under carpets or mats.

Batteries or devices should not be left charging overnight or unattended for a long period of time.

SCDF also advised people to use only appliances and electrical plugs bearing the Safety Mark.

Top photos via SCDF