A fire broke out in a sixth-floor flat at Block 108 Bukit Purmei Road in Telok Blangah on January 3rd, prompting the evacuation of approximately 20 residents. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to the incident, alerted at around 1:20 PM.
Fire Contained to Bedroom
Firefighters forcibly entered the smoke-filled flat and extinguished the blaze using two water jets. The fire was confined to a single bedroom. Importantly, no one was inside the flat at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire originated from the battery of a power-assisted bicycle (PAB) located in the bedroom.
Rising Concerns Over Active Mobility Device Fires
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing concern regarding fires involving active mobility devices. Data from the SCDF indicates a rise in fire-related deaths, with at least eight reported by August 2025, compared to five in 2024 and three in 2023.
Of the fires involving active mobility devices, approximately 46% involved personal mobility devices (PMDs), 42% involved PABs, and 12% involved personal mobility aids.
In October 2025, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat cautioned against the use of illegal PMDs purchased online, citing the risk of battery overheating and fire during charging. He urged residents to purchase compliant devices from approved retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at Block 108 Bukit Purmei Road?
Preliminary findings indicate the fire most likely originated from the battery of a power-assisted bicycle (PAB) in the bedroom.
How many people were evacuated from the building?
Approximately 20 people from the affected block were evacuated by the police and SCDF as a precautionary measure.
What has been said about the increasing number of fires involving active mobility devices?
National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat cautioned against using illegal PMDs bought online, as their batteries may overheat and catch fire during charging. He noted that PMD fires are becoming more and more of a concern in Singapore.
As investigations continue and awareness grows, will residents prioritize safety measures when purchasing and charging active mobility devices?
