Charging power bank triggers fire in rented flat, landlord ejects tenant over safety breach
A charging power bank allegedly caught fire and destroyed a bedroom in a Jurong West HDB flat on July 5, prompting the landlord to evict the tenant. The fire endangered the lives of the homeowner’s family, including her eight-month-old baby.
Power Bank Ignites Bedroom Fire
At approximately 11am on July 5, a fire broke out in a four-room HDB flat at Block 339B Kang Ching Road, Jurong West. The blaze, which reportedly originated from a charging power bank, engulfed one of the rented bedrooms while the tenant was away.
The homeowner, Ms Zhu, 46, was home with her family when she heard a loud pop. She rushed to investigate, only to find the room filled with thick smoke and rising flames. Her husband doused the fire using five buckets of water, as panic left her unable to call for help immediately.
Child Exposed to Smoke
At the time of the fire, Ms Zhu’s eight-month-old baby was asleep in the flat. While the flames were contained before spreading to other parts of the home, the infant may have been exposed to smoke inhalation.
Paramedics assessed the child on-site and advised the family to monitor for respiratory symptoms over the following week. Although no one required hospitalisation, trauma and anxiety linger for the family.
Damage and Responsibility
Videos shared by Ms Zhu showed extensive damage: a charred mattress and bedframe, melted plastic furnishings, and a blackened wall and ceiling. The air-conditioner above the bed was deformed by the heat.
According to Ms Zhu, the tenant failed to follow her repeated warnings about leaving devices charging unattended. He did not apologise, instead brushing off the fire as “bad luck.” Following this, Ms Zhu asked him to vacate the flat.
The tenant agreed to replace the damaged mattress and cabinet but was not asked to compensate for the old air-conditioner. Ms Zhu estimated repainting costs at S$680, adding that she now feels anxious even when charging her phone.
Public Response and SCDF Confirmation
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed receiving a report about the fire and stated that members of the public had extinguished the blaze before their arrival. One person was assessed for minor injuries and declined hospital transport.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, though early indications suggest a malfunctioning power bank. The incident has sparked public concern over the dangers of poor charging habits and substandard electronics.
Rising Safety Awareness
With more households using rechargeable devices daily, this incident underscores the urgency of electrical safety education. Improper charging habits can lead to life-threatening scenarios, particularly in shared residential units.
Landlords and tenants alike are reminded to practice caution, invest in certified charging equipment, and never leave devices unattended while charging—especially on flammable surfaces like beds.
This fire in Jurong West highlights a growing concern over charging electronics in residential settings. For both Indonesian and Singaporean residents in high-density housing, it reinforces the importance of accountability, safe living practices, and swift emergency readiness to prevent similar tragedies.
Sources: Asia One (2025) , Must Share News (2025)
Keywords: Power Bank Explosion, Jurong West Fire, Tenant Eviction, HDB Fire Incident, Charging Device Risk, Kang Ching Road
