Two men were hospitalised for smoke inhalation after a fire erupted at a Housing Development Board flat in Tampines late on 3 Oct 2025.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force received an alert about the blaze at Block 422 Tampines Street 41 at 11:45pm.
Evacuation Operations
Police evacuated 80 residents from the affected block as a precautionary measure. The displaced residents could not return to their homes until between 2am and 3am.
According to Shin Min Daily News, a neighbour living on the same floor was unaware of the fire until authorities knocked on their door to facilitate evacuation.
The affected unit was reportedly home to a couple with five children.
Fire Origin and Cause
Preliminary investigations revealed the fire likely originated from an electrical source in a bedroom on the fourth floor of the block.
The SCDF’s initial findings point to electrical issues as the probable cause of the incident.
SCDF Safety Advisories
The SCDF issued public warnings against overloading electrical outlets with multiple devices. They also cautioned against leaving batteries or gadgets charging unattended for extended periods.
The civil defence recommended switching off appliances when not in use. Users should only purchase devices and electrical plugs bearing safety certification marks.
Frayed wires and damaged cords require immediate replacement or repair. Electrical wires should not be placed under carpets or mats, and must be kept away from hot surfaces.
