Everything About the Serangoon HDB Fire You’ve Got to Know

A fire might be a master’s greatest servant. But if mishandled or ill-treated, it’s more than capable of being a master’s greatest threat. – Cao Cao

While I normally don’t agree with the Wei warlord (namely because I always play as an opposing general in Dynasty Warrior games), I can’t help but agree with him on this one.

Case in point? This.

More than 65 residents had to be evacuated yesterday (18 Jan), after a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat in Serangoon North Ave 1 caught fire. Two women were subsequently taken to hospital after reportedly experiencing breathing difficulties.

Image: Straits Times

What happened?

The incident occurred just yesterday (18 Jan) in a second-floor unit at Block 147 Serangoon North Avenue 1. It took place at around 7:00 p.m., according to an eyewitness.

Mr Ken Chan, who stays at an opposite block, first noticed white smoke emitting from a HDB unit on the second floor.

Subsequently, there was a “strong smell of burning rubber as white smoke quickly turned to grey and engulfed the second floor and above”.

Mr Chan yelled at onlookers in the units above to shut their windows. He then heard a “loud ‘pop’ sound as the whole block went dark”.

“They seemed to be in a daze. A crowd below was taking pictures, but those in the block were just staring and pointing at the fire. So I quickly called 995,” he said.

When the smoke became thicker, he decided to call the authorities at 7:15 p.m.

SCDF

Image: Ken Chan via TODAYonline

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted to the fire at 7:15 p.m.

Shortly after arriving, they evacuated a total of 16 residents who were in “in close proximity and directly above the affected unit”.

Subsequently, an additional 50 residents from the block were also evacuated.

“The fire was extinguished by the SCDF using compressed air foam and one water jet. No forcible entry was conducted,” the SCDF said.

Serangoon north fire

Posted by Ahchai Goh on Thursday, 18 January 2018

Tan Tock Seng Hospital

The SCDF added that a woman in her 80s and another woman in her 30s were escorted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, after reportedly experiencing “breathing difficulties”.

They were apparently conscious when taken, and are now in stable condition.

At least two fire engines, two police cars and one ambulance were on the scene.

Thankfully, no one was at home when the fire started, according to TODAYonline.

The SCDF has said that the cause of the fire is “still under investigation”.

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This article was first published on goodyfeed.com

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Featured image: Ken Chan via TODAYonline