Woman Left Burning Leaves & Branches in Her Courtyard at Bishan After Setting Them on Fire

Don’t play with fire or you might just get burned.

This saying is more true than you think…literally.

While most people would even go back to the house to check if the stove is turned off properly, one lady in Singapore left her house even while a fire she started is still burning happily.

Here’s what you need to know.

Woman Left Burning Leaves & Branches in Her Courtyard at Bishan After Setting Them on Fire

On 22 May 2021, at a bungalow in Bishan, an elderly woman swept up the fallen trees and branches in her courtyard and set them on fire.

Unfortunately, she didn’t stay behind to view the aftermath and left before the fire stopped burning.

The result?

Thick, noxious smoke filled the air and worried neighbours called the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in to put out the fire.

According to another nearby resident, she was alerted to the incident when she smelled the pungent smoke.

However, by the time she left her home to check, SCDF officers were already on the scene.

Family Had Moved Out Years Ago

According to the neighbour, the family has already moved out from the home two to three years ago.

However, the elderly woman would return to the property after every few days to tidy up the place.

On this fateful day, she brought along two helpers to clean the house and the courtyard.

Not The First Time This Happened

According to her neighbours, this wasn’t the first time that such an incident happened.

Previously, the woman had also burned the fallen branches and leaves in her courtyard and left before it stopped burning.

And similarly, the fire got bigger and bigger after she left, resulting in the SCDF being called in to put out the fire.

Hopefully, this lady would learn her lesson this time and stop her unintentional arsonist behaviour.

However, I know that’s not what you’re really curious about.

What you really want to know is…

Can You Burn Stuff Like That in S’pore?

According to the Environmental Public Health (Public Cleansing) Regulations, you cannot start any burning of refuse or waste at any place.

The only exceptions are:

• campfires and barbeques
• religious practice
• any other circumstances permitted by the Director-General

People who breach the rules could be fined heavily.

On a separate note, if you have a fire extinguisher at home and a fire started, check out SCDF’s video on how to use it properly:

Feature Image: Bob Vila (Image for illustration purpose only)