Early morning blaze linked to mobility device highlights rising residential fire risks in Singapore
A pre-dawn fire at a Toa Payoh flat on August 22 left three people hospitalised and forced the evacuation of about 50 residents. Preliminary investigations suggest a personal mobility device (PMD) was the cause, intensifying concerns over battery-related residential fires.
Fire Erupts in Toa Payoh Flat
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted at around 2:30am to a fire at Block 63, Lorong 5 Toa Payoh. Firefighters forced entry into a 12th-floor unit and found the living room engulfed in flames. The blaze was contained to the room and extinguished using a water jet.
Residents Hospitalised and Evacuated
During the operation, firefighters rescued one occupant trapped in the kitchen. The individual, who suffered smoke inhalation and minor burns, was taken conscious to Singapore General Hospital (SGH). Two other residents were also hospitalised — one for breathlessness and another for an ankle injury sustained during the evacuation. About 50 residents were evacuated as a precaution.
PMD Involved in the Fire
SCDF’s preliminary findings indicate that the fire originated from a personal mobility device in the living room. Authorities reiterated safety warnings, including avoiding overnight charging, not leaving batteries unattended, and steering clear of non-original or modified batteries.
A Pattern of Residential Fires
This incident follows a string of serious residential fires in recent months. On August 21, a Bukit Purmei flat fire hospitalised three people. Earlier in August, two people died in a Jalan Bukit Merah blaze linked to a PMD battery pack. On July 22, another fatal fire in Toa Payoh claimed two lives.
Rising Fire-Related Fatalities
According to SCDF statistics, eight people have died in fire-related incidents in 2025, compared with five in 2024 and three in 2023. This marks the highest toll in three years and underscores growing concerns over PMD battery safety in residential settings.
Public Safety Reminder
SCDF continues to urge the public to follow official fire safety guidelines for PMDs and other battery-powered devices. Advisory resources are available at go.gov.sg/bdsinfo
. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report unsafe practices to prevent further tragedies.
The Toa Payoh fire highlights the mounting dangers of PMD-related blazes in high-density housing estates. For Singaporeans, the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for strict adherence to safety practices as authorities strengthen efforts to curb fire risks linked to mobility devices.
Sources: The Online Citizen (2025) , Mothership (2025)
Keywords: Toa Payoh Fire, PMD Blaze, SCDF Evacuation, Residential Fires Singapore, Fire Safety Guidelines, Battery Hazards
