A fire broke out in a Simei HDB flat on the afternoon of May 8, resulting in one person being taken to the hospital and the evacuation of several residents. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported being alerted to the incident at Block 153 Simei Street 1 at approximately 4:40 pm.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
Upon arrival, firefighters found a second-floor unit ablaze, with the fire concentrated in the living room. The SCDF extinguished the flames using a water jet.
Three individuals had self-evacuated from the affected unit before emergency personnel arrived. As a precautionary measure, the police and SCDF evacuated approximately 10 people from the block.
One resident from a neighboring unit was assessed by a paramedic for smoke inhalation and subsequently conveyed to Singapore General Hospital.
Damage and Probable Cause
The fire caused extensive damage to the entire living room of the flat. The rest of the unit was also affected by smoke and heat damage.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire likely originated from a power bank that was charging in the living room. In response, the SCDF advised the public to avoid leaving devices or batteries charging overnight or unattended for extended periods.
Ms. Jessica Tan, MP for East Coast GRC, visited the affected home on the night of May 8. She confirmed the family escaped safely and expressed gratitude to East Coast Town Council cleaners and officers who assisted on the ground.
Residential Fire Trends
According to an SCDF annual statistics report released on Feb 11, there were 304 fires of electrical origin in residential premises in 2025. The top two causes of home fires that year were electrical fires and unattended cooking.
The report noted that most electrical fires were caused by overloading electrical sockets or faults in electrical appliances and wiring.
Historical data from an April 14, 2025, report indicated that 13 fires were linked to power banks in 2024. Between 2019 and 2024, there were 58 reported fires linked to power banks.
Potential Outlook
Given the trend of electrical fires, the SCDF may continue to emphasize the dangers of unattended charging to the public. Residents could see an increased focus on safety education regarding the use of power banks and electrical socket management to mitigate future risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the likely cause of the Simei flat fire?
Preliminary findings suggest the fire likely originated from a power bank charging in the living room.
Were there any injuries reported?
One person from a neighboring unit was taken to Singapore General Hospital for smoke inhalation.
What are the most common causes of home fires according to 2025 statistics?
The top two causes were electrical fires and unattended cooking.
How do you ensure your electronic devices are charging safely in your home?
Worth a look