On October 1st, a man was taken to the hospital after a fire broke out in a flat at Block 132 Potong Pasir Avenue 1. The fire, which started at around 2:55 PM, is believed to have been caused by a personal mobility device (PMD). The man had inhaled smoke from the fire and was taken to Singapore General Hospital for treatment.
What Happened?
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to the incident and quickly responded. Based on their preliminary investigation, it appears that the fire originated in the living room, likely from a PMD that was present. The man who was affected was found and taken out of the first-floor unit before being sent to the hospital.
PMD Fires Are on the Rise Again
The number of fires involving PMDs has been going up over the past three years. The SCDF shared some figures, stating that in the first half of 2025 alone, there have already been 20 such fires. That’s double the number from the same period in 2024, which had 10 cases.
To help prevent these fires, the SCDF has a few important tips:
- Don’t buy or use batteries that are not the original ones for your device.
- Don’t charge your batteries for too long, and definitely don’t leave them charging overnight.
The SCDF’s message is clear: “Batteries should not be charged for an extended period of time nor overnight.” It’s important to follow these simple rules to keep everyone safe.
