About 50 residents evacuated as firefighters battle late-night blaze in East Coast GRC block
A late-night fire at Block 31 Chai Chee Avenue on September 5 left four men hospitalized, around 50 residents evacuated, and one man under arrest for allegedly causing the blaze.
Fire Breaks Out at Night
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported being alerted to the fire around 11.05pm on September 5. Firefighters arrived to find the living room of an eighth-floor unit engulfed in flames. They extinguished the blaze with a water jet. Fortunately, the unit was empty at the time.
Residents Evacuated
As a precaution, police and SCDF evacuated about 50 residents from the affected block. Temporary lodging was arranged while electricians carried out urgent repairs, including restoring power and water supply to impacted units.
Injuries Reported
Four men, aged between 20 and 78, were taken to hospital conscious. Three residents from neighbouring flats were treated for smoke inhalation, with two sent to Changi General Hospital and one to Singapore General Hospital (SGH). A firefighter also required treatment at SGH after inhaling smoke.
Suspect Arrested
On September 7, police confirmed the arrest of a 58-year-old man for allegedly “causing or contributing to the risk of dangerous fire.” Investigations into the exact cause of the blaze remain ongoing.
Community and Government Response
Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong visited the site on September 6 to check on residents and thank responders. He noted that the East Coast Town Council and Housing Board officers were working to restore utilities and repair damage to the common corridor.
Fellow East Coast GRC MP Tan Kiat How also expressed gratitude to SCDF, the town council, and grassroots volunteers for their swift support. He highlighted efforts such as opening the Residents’ Network centre for seniors, assisting those with mobility issues, and arranging temporary housing for affected families.
The Chai Chee fire underscores the importance of rapid emergency response and community support in times of crisis. While investigations continue, the coordinated actions of SCDF, police, and grassroots volunteers reflect Singapore’s resilience in protecting residents’ safety and restoring normalcy.
Sources: Must Share News (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Chai Chee Fire, HDB Fire, Singapore Civil Defence Force, SCDF Response, Edwin Tong, Tan Kiat How
