Burnt smell due to smoke haze from vegetation fires north of S'pore: NEA

In a statement on Jan. 26, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said the noticeable burnt smell in various parts of Singapore could be due to smoke haze from vegetation fires north of the island.

"With the prevailing winds blowing from the north or northeast, some smoke haze could be transported to Singapore," the agency said in a Facebook post.

However, NEA was also quick to affirm that despite the smell, there are no significant changes in air quality.

As of 10pm on Monday, the 24-hr PSI ranged from 43-56 in the Good to Moderate range.

Despite this, many netizens took to the comments to express concern over the poor air quality and smell.

The PM2.5 levels for the eastern part of Singapore had a reading of 47 at around 11pm, and peaked to 54 at around 12am on Jan. 27, according to NEA’s website.

The PM2.5 levels for other parts of Singapore had readings of below 20 during those times.

Air quality is considered "normal" if the PM2.5 reading is in the zero to 55 range, while a PM2.5 level of between 151 and 250 indicates a "high" level of such particles in the air.

The agency also added that it is monitoring the situation closely.

"For the most updated information on air quality, you can refer to myENV app," it said.

Top photos via Priscilla Charlotte and NEA/Facebook