How many fires caused by charging of PMDs?

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35 Sembawang residents evacuated after fire linked to 3 PMAs breaks out in void deck​

The cause of the fire is under investigation. SCREENGRAB: FRANCIS KOK/FACEBOOK

Rhea Yasmine

Aug 15, 2024

SINGAPORE - Thirty-five residents were evacuated in the wee hours from a Housing Board flat in Sembawang, following a fire linked to three personal mobility aids (PMAs).
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the fire at Block 482 Admiralty Link at about 2.10am on Aug 15.
The fire, which occurred at the void deck, was extinguished by SCDF using a water jet.
The residents were evacuated by the police as a precautionary measure. No injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A video capturing the aftermath of the fire shows three PMAs and several bicycles parked at the bicycle bay, as well as the nearby ceiling and wall, charred by flames.
According to statistics released by the SCDF in February, fires involving active mobility devices – including PMAs – in 2023 increased by 31 per cent from a year earlier.

 

[k1976]

CAN move all EV and PMDs to a speical floor to park?

 

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Resident rescued from Hougang flat in midnight blaze linked to PMD​

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire had likely started from a personal mobility device. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE

Sarah Koh

Aug 16, 2024

SINGAPORE – A resident who was trapped in a smoke-filled Hougang flat was rescued by firefighters after they forced their way into a unit that caught fire just past midnight on Aug 16.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force, in a Facebook post on Aug 16, said it was alerted to the fire at Block 313, Hougang Avenue 5 at about 12.50am.
When firefighters arrived, they found the living room of the second storey unit on fire, and one person trapped inside.
They forced their way into the flat, and found the resident in the kitchen, and brought the person out to safety while firefighters used a water jet to put out the fire.
Two people were taken to the Singapore General Hospital, and another was taken to Changi General Hospital, said SCDF. About 30 residents from neighbouring units were evacuated by the police as a precaution.
SCDF said: “As a result of the fire, the entire living room was damaged and the rest of the unit sustained heat and soot damage.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire had likely started from a personal mobility device (PMD) that was in the living room. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.”

SCDF reiterated that it is advisable not to charge batteries for an extended amount of time, leave them charging overnight or buy and use non-original batteries.
In February, SCDF released its annual statistics report, which found that there were 1,954 cases of fire in 2023 – an 8.6 per cent increase from 1,799 cases in 2022.
Fires involving active mobility devices (AMD) – such as PMDs, power-assisted bicycles and personal mobility aids – increased by 31 per cent to 55 cases in 2023, up from 42 fires in 2022.
The latest figures found that AMD-linked fires were increasing again, after steadily dropping from 2019 to 2022.

 

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Letter of the week: Take steps to prevent PMAs from catching fire in trains​

We need stringent measures to prevent accidents from happening in our public transport system, says the writer. PHOTO: ST FILE

Aug 16, 2024

I refer to the reports “35 evacuated after fire linked to e-bike battery breaks out in Clementi flat” (Aug 9) and “Fires involving active mobility devices rise again; total number of blazes up 8.6% in 2023: SCDF” (Feb 21).
In 2021, a man died after his personal mobility device burst into flames while he was in a lift. An inquiry found that the battery had been modified. The battery was not even being charged then, yet it exploded.
We need stringent measures to prevent something like this from happening in our public transport system.
In March, the Government accepted recommendations from the active mobility advisory panel on regulations for personal mobility aids (PMAs). The scope covered certification of users of mobility scooters, speed limits and dimension restrictions for PMAs on public paths.
With mobility scooters getting more popular with the rapidly ageing population, there should be stricter rules and regulations governing their use – in particular, the fire and electrical safety standards of such devices.
All motorised personal mobility devices used on public paths must be certified to the UL2272 standard. However, this does not apply to mobility scooters.
If all mobility scooters are also required to have the UL2272 certification, with original batteries, this would discourage people from modifying the batteries. And if registration with number plates issued is also required, it would make it much easier for MRT staff to ascertain which scooters are safe to go on the trains.

Besides safeguarding the public transport system, we would also be safeguarding malls, hawker centres and homes. We should not take any chances with safety.

Candice Yeo Chay Hoon

 

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Sembawang residents asked to remove personal mobility devices from common areas by Aug 20​

At the 12 HDB blocks in Admiralty Link visited by The Straits Times, only four PMDs and PMAs were seen parked in bicycle spaces at the void decks. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Vihanya Rakshika
Correspondent

Aug 20, 2024

SINGAPORE – Admiralty Drive residents have been asked to remove their personal mobility devices (PMDs) and personal mobility aids (PMAs) from the common areas and keep them in their homes.
Notices from Sembawang Town Council were put up at the void decks of Housing Board blocks in the estate off Sembawang Drive a few days ago, said residents who spoke to The Straits Times.
Residents whose PMDs and PMAs were parked in common areas were given until Aug 20 to remove them.
The town council notice also highlighted the dangers posed by PMDs and PMAs when left in high human-traffic zones like void decks, lift lobbies and corridors.
Obstructing these areas could pose significant risks, especially in emergency situations, it added.

A notice to remove PMDs and PMAs at the void deck of Block 488 Admiralty Link on Aug 19. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
PMDs and PMAs, which include devices like e-scooters and motorised wheelchairs, have been linked to several near-miss incidents involving residents, the town council said in its notice.
When The Straits Times visited the area, only a few PMDs and PMAs were seen in the common areas – most having been removed.

At the 12 HDB blocks in Admiralty Link visited by The Straits Times, only four PMDs and PMAs were seen parked in bicycle spaces at the void decks, amid the clutter of bicycles.
One resident, Mr Syafiq Amirul, said he had parked his PMD at the void deck for a few years. The 32-year-old food delivery rider said: “I saw the notice some days ago. I have already taken mine from the void deck and kept it in my house.”
Meanwhile, another resident, retired accountant Susanna Patrick, 67, said: “It is a good move to remove these devices from common areas. At least, if it catches fire, it can be contained to just the unit.”

In response to queries, Sembawang Town Council said the notice is part of its “ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents”.

Workers painting the charred walls and ceiling at the void deck of Block 482 Admiralty Link on Aug 19, following an Aug 15 fire. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
The town council also said it has received numerous complaints from residents about PMDs and PMAs blocking the common areas. These complaints often involved concerns about accessibility, especially for those with mobility issues, and general safety hazards, it said.
On Aug 15, 35 Sembawang residents were evacuated after a fire linked to three PMAs broke out at a void deck.
The town council said it has reminded residents about the proper storage of PMDs and PMAs before but this is the first time a formal notice with a specific deadline has been issued. The aim is not to punish anyone but to ensure compliance for the greater good of the community, it added.
The town council said some residents were initially reluctant to remove their PMDs or PMAs from common areas.
However, after engagement and education on the importance of keeping these areas clear, most residents have complied, the town council said.
It added that the safety of residents is its top priority and it will continue to monitor the situation and take steps to uphold these standards. It urged residents to prioritise safety and avoid actions that could jeopardise lives for personal convenience.
According to statistics released by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in February, fires involving active mobility devices – including PMAs – in 2023 increased by 31 per cent from a year earlier.
The Land Transport Authority and SCDF also have issued dos and don’ts to prevent fires involving PMDs and power-assisted bicycles.
These include using only UL2272-certified devices – which is a United States safety mark. Users should also refrain from charging devices overnight or for an extended period of time. They should also keep charging devices away from combustible materials.

Tips on fire safety for PMDs and PADs. PHOTO: FACEBOOK / SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE

 

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Over 100 in Yishun evacuated due to separate fires on same day linked to electric bike, PMD​

The fires occurred at Block 392 Yishun Avenue 6 (left) and Block 345 Yishun Avenue 11. PHOTOS: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS, SGFOLLOWSALL/TELEGRAM

Christie Chiu

Aug 24, 2024

SINGAPORE - More than 100 residents in Yishun were evacuated on Aug 23 in two separate fires likely caused by batteries in mobility devices.
No injuries were reported for both fires.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the first incident, which occurred at Block 392 Yishun Avenue 6, at about 1.25pm.
Firefighters forcefully entered the affected unit on the sixth floor and extinguished the fire in the living room using a water jet.
Sixteen residents from the affected block were evacuated by the police as a precautionary measure.
SCDF said that the fire involved a personal mobility device (PMD) in the living room and that preliminary findings indicated that the cause of the fire was likely to be of electrical origin from the PMD battery.
The second fire occurred at Block 345 Yishun Avenue 11. Firefighters from Yishun Fire Station were alerted to the incident at about 11.40pm, SCDF said.

An occupant who was in the unit had already evacuated before the firefighters’ arrival, and later declined to be taken to hospital.
As a precautionary measure, about 100 residents from the affected block were also evacuated by the police and SCDF.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire had likely originated from power-assisted bicycle (PAB) batteries in the bedroom, SCDF said.
Several videos of the fire posted onto the Sgfollowsall Telegram channel show that the blaze could be seen clearly from neighbouring buildings. Thick smoke is also visibly billowing out of the unit’s window.
At least three fire engines and a police car are also at the scene in the videos.

At least three fire engines and a police car were at the scene. PHOTO: SGFOLLOWSALL/TELEGRAM
More fires involving active mobility devices (AMDs) raged in 2023 compared with 2022, marking the rise of such blazes again after three years.
These fires – involving PMDs, PAB and personal mobility aids – increased by 31 per cent to 55 cases in 2023, up from 42 fires in 2022.
The latest numbers reverse the trend in AMD fires, which had dropped from 2019 to 2022.
In February, during the release of its annual statistics, SCDF said that such fires were a key fire safety concern.
“Members of the public are reminded to remain vigilant when handling their AMDs, as these fires can result in serious injuries and damage to property,” it said.

 

[Splendicker]

China made batteries

 

[Narong Wongwan]

Ban those fucking things already
Pap got no balls

 

[threadfin]

waiting for one PMA to explode in mrt train

 

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One person taken to hospital after power-assisted bicycle battery catches fire in Punggol flat​

The fire originated from a PAB battery that was being charged in the kitchen of a 15th-floor unit in Sumang Lane. PHOTO: SOCIAL MEDIA

Jun 03, 2024


SINGAPORE - One person was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation after the battery of a power-assisted bicycle (PAB) caught fire in a Housing Board flat in Punggol.
Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said on June 2 that it was alerted to a fire at Block 232C Sumang Lane at about 9.15pm.
A photo and video seen by The Straits Times show firefighters and SCDF officers at the scene.
According to SCDF’s preliminary investigations, the fire originated from a PAB battery that was being charged in the kitchen of a 15th-floor unit.
It was extinguished by an occupant of the unit using buckets of water.

SCDF has issued an advisory reminding the public not to buy non-original batteries, and not to charge the batteries of their PABs for an extended period nor leave them charging overnight. PHOTO: SCDF

 

[Splendicker]

Batteries fire batteries fire, so what are the control measures made to the device batteries? Please don't keep sleeping on the job.

 

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Forum: More balanced approach needed to address PMD safety issues​

Aug 26, 2024

I read with interest the article, Sembawang residents asked to remove personal mobility devices from common areas by Aug 20 (Aug 20).
The directive by Sembawang Town Council was for Admiralty Drive residents to remove their personal mobility devices (PMDs) and personal mobility aids (PMAs) from common areas and keep them within their homes.
While I understand the intent behind this measure, I believe it is crucial to address the issue from a broader perspective to ensure the safety and convenience of all residents.
The town council’s directive warns of PMDs and PMAs creating fire hazards in high-traffic common areas like void decks and corridors, where these devices can also obstruct movement and pose fire hazards. The recent Sembawang void deck fire highlights these risks.
However, shifting the devices into private homes isn’t ideal. Singapore Civil Defence Force data shows a rise in mobility device fires in 2023. Fires in confined HDB units can spread quickly, endangering many residents.
I believe a more balanced approach is needed. The Government and town councils should consider establishing secure, designated charging and storage areas for these devices.
They could be located at void decks or other common spaces but designed with fire safety in mind – equipped with fire extinguishers and regulated charging stations, with proper ventilation.

It is also essential to ensure that device owners are educated on safe charging practices and are held accountable for any damage caused by their devices. Encouraging the use of UL2272-certified devices and discouraging overnight charging are important steps.
The safety of residents should always be the top priority. We need to explore comprehensive measures that protect both individual units and common areas, ensuring a safer environment for all.

Gabriel Chia Sit Loke

 

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Jurong fatal fire started from battery pack that was possibly stored improperly: State coroner​

Mr Chai Chee Fong lived in a four-room flat on the fifth storey of Block 978 Jurong West Street 93 with 11 other men. PHOTO: ST FILE

Shaffiq Alkhatib
Court Correspondent

Nov 12, 2024

SINGAPORE - The state coroner has found that a blaze in a Jurong West flat which killed a man in October 2021 originated from a battery pack that may not have been stored properly.
The pack was not on a personal mobility device (PMD) at the time of the tragedy.
In his findings into Mr Chai Chee Fong’s death, State Coroner Adam Nakhoda said that it is likely that a “thermal runaway” – or uncontrolled battery overheating – had occurred in lithium cells within the battery pack that had been placed away from the PMD.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) had engaged private certification agency TUV SUD PSB to conduct an analysis on several items recovered from the blaze, including a PMD.
The company, which was unable to determine the root cause of the thermal runaway, had stated that a mismatch between a battery pack and a charger can cause damage to such items.
The state coroner said: “A mismatch between the charger and the battery packs could have resulted in damage to the lithium cells that would eventually lead to a thermal runaway.”
The battery pack was not being charged at the time of the fire.

Mr Chai, 22, died of severe burns and smoke inhalation, and in his findings made available on Nov 12, the state coroner said that his death was due to an accident.
He added: “The discharge of heat, and ejection of hot gas and inner components caused other cells in close proximity... to similarly burn or explode.”
Hot gas or inner components were then flung towards another battery pack near the PMD, causing its lithium cells to experience thermal runaway.

He said that the battery pack farther away from the PMD had been placed under an air-conditioning unit in Mr Chai’s bedroom, adding: “It was possible that condensation, leaking or dripping of water on the battery pack had caused damage to the cells either by oxidation or corrosion.”
Investigations revealed that moisture in the cells could have caused an internal short circuit.
Mr Chai, a Malaysian, lived in a four-room flat on the fifth storey of Block 978 Jurong West Street 93 with 11 other men.
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In his findings, the state coroner noted that the unit was severely overcrowded with 12 sub-tenants when there should have been only six registered ones.
One of the men, Mr Voon Ching Sun, was sleeping in the same bedroom as Mr Chai before the fire broke out.
Mr Voon woke up in the wee hours of Oct 8, 2021, when he heard Mr Chai repeatedly yelling: “There is a fire!”
He told investigators the fire in the bedroom was so big that he could not see what was ahead of him, and that he was unable to locate Mr Chai.
State Coroner Nakhoda said: “Mr Voon crawled on his hands and knees towards (the bedroom) door and could feel that he was being burnt by the fire... He unlocked the door and then made his way out of the (flat).”
Most of the men who were in the flat when the fire broke out managed to leave the unit.
However, two of them who were trapped in another bedroom due to the smoke climbed out of a window to stand on a ledge outside.
SCDF officers arrived at the scene at 2.30am, and evacuated the pair through the front door.
The fire was extinguished by about 3.05am and Mr Chai, who was found in his bedroom, was pronounced dead around 10 minutes later.
Mr Voon, who suffered severe burns and was in a state of shock, was taken to the Singapore General Hospital.
State Coroner Nakhoda said: “Unfortunately, Mr Chai, who was in close proximity to the lithium battery packs that were experiencing thermal runaway, was very badly burnt.
“Mr Voon, whose bed was further from the ignition point, was not overwhelmed by the flames as quickly, and although he suffered severe burns, he was able to escape.”
The state coroner also stressed that PMD users should be mindful of any directions manufactures give regarding the storage of such devices and external batteries.
This is to ensure that improper storage does not constitute a risk.

 

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50 evacuated after fire linked to power-assisted bike battery breaks out in Tampines flat​

The fire had likely originated from a power-assisted bicycle battery that was charging in a bedroom. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE/FACEBOOK

Rhea Yasmine
Dec 25, 2024

SINGAPORE - About 50 people were evacuated from their homes on Christmas Eve, after a fire broke out in a Housing Board flat in Tampines.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the fire had likely originated from a power-assisted bicycle (PAB) battery that was charging in a bedroom.

Firefighters from Tampines Fire Station and Changi Fire Station responded to the fire at Block 921 Tampines Street 91 at about 9.40pm, said SCDF in a Facebook post late on Dec 24.


Firefighters at the scene were met with black smoke coming out from a unit on the first floor. The fire in the unit’s bedroom was then extinguished with a water jet.

No one was home.

About 50 residents were evacuated by SCDF and the police as a precautionary measure. No ambulance assistance was required, added SCDF.

In order to avoid such fires, members of the public should not leave batteries or devices charging for a prolonged period or leave them charging unattended, said SCDF.

The public also should not purchase or use non-original batteries for their active mobility devices.

On Aug 23, more than 100 residents in Yishun were evacuated in two separate fires on the same day, likely caused by batteries in mobility devices. No injuries were reported for both fires.


According to an annual statistics report by SCDF released on Feb 21, fires involving active mobility devices (AMD) - including PABs - increased by 31 per cent to 55 cases in 2023, up from 42 fires in 2022.

The latest numbers reverse the trend in AMD fires, which had been steadily dropping from 2019 to 2022.

​

 

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1 taken to hospital after fire caused by e-bike breaks out in Punggol​

1 of 2
A charred e-bike was seen on the pavement at Punggol Place on Saturday night.ST PHOTO: RAUL DANCEL

2 of 2
An ambulance and a Red Rhino were also at the scene.ST PHOTO: RAUL DANCEL

Amanda Lee
Nov 22, 2024

SINGAPORE – One person was taken to hospital after a fire caused by an e-bike broke out on a pavement at Punggol Place on Saturday night.

When The Straits Times arrived at about 10pm, an ambulance and a Red Rhino were at the scene. A charred e-bike was also seen on the pavement.

In response to queries from ST, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the fire at 9.35pm.


The fire involved a power-assisted bicycle (PAB) on a pavement and was put out with a fire extinguisher.

Preliminary investigations found that the fire had originated from the PAB, said the SCDF, adding that one person was taken to Sengkang General Hospital.

SCDF reminded users of PABs and personal mobility devices (PMDs) not to charge the devices’ batteries for an extended period. It also reminded users not to buy or use non-original batteries.

Fires involving active mobility devices, including PMDs and e-bikes, saw a 33.3 per cent drop from 63 cases in 2021 to 42 in 2022.

The figures were released in February as part of SCDF’s annual statistics report for 2022. At that time, SCDF attributed the decrease to the implementation of regulatory measures.

However, the SCDF also said that such fires continue to be a concern for the authorities as the devices involved are often used by those with walking difficulties.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

PMD that caused fatal fire in lift non-compliant, coroner’s inquiry told​

On the first day of a coroner’s inquiry, a police investigation officer said the device was non-compliant with safety standards.PHOTOS: SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE/FACEBOOK

Wong Shiying
Nov 25, 2024

SINGAPORE - A 20-year-old food delivery rider died of extensive burns and smoke inhalation after his modified personal mobility device (PMD) burst into flames while he was in a lift with it.

On the first day of a coroner’s inquiry into the death of Mr Muhammad Irfan Danish Azhar, a police investigation officer said that the device was non-compliant with safety standards.

Woodlands Division Station Inspector Sofian Azami said on Tuesday that the PMD was already modified when Mr Irfan bought it from online platform Carousell in December 2020.


“He modified it (further) by changing the battery to (one of) a higher voltage,” he said.

Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) senior fire investigator Muhammad Faizal Mazlan, who also took the stand on Tuesday, said the fire was of electrical origin and likely occurred from within the PMD.

“The battery pack did not have a battery management system (BMS), which protects against overcharging or overheating,” he added.

“Bypassing the BMS allows the PMD to charge faster, but more current could have been drawn from the battery than expected, possibly leading to overheating.”

The court heard that Mr Irfan had left his flat on the ninth floor of Block 537 Woodlands Drive 16 at around 11.25pm on June 3, 2021, to help a friend to tow a PMD.

According to witness accounts and closed-circuit television footage, he was alone in the lift with his PMD when flashes of orange light were seen as the lift descended.


An explosion was heard and Mr Irfan was seen pressing lift buttons on the lower register. The lift door opened on the second floor and he fled from the burning lift.

One resident heard someone calling out for his mother in pain and later saw Mr Irfan on fire. Parts of his body were charred and other areas pinkish.

Neighbours put out the lift fire with buckets of water before SCDF officers arrived. Police officers found Mr Irfan, covered in ashes, lying on a staircase landing. He was conscious then and told them that he could not breathe.

Mr Irfan was taken to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and he died the next day. He suffered burns on 95 per cent of his body surface area.

More on this Topic
Two people taken to hospital after PMD fire at Hougang flatOne taken to hospital after fire breaks out at Bedok North Road flat
According to his best friend, Mr Irfan had bought the PMD for about $1,800 on Carousell.

The friend knew the device was modified as he had seen Mr Irfan riding faster than he would on PMDs approved by the authorities, the police investigator said.

Station Insp Sofian said: “The deceased was known to have a vast interest in PMDs and had antecedents with LTA (Land Transport Authority) for owning modified devices.”

According to his stepmother, Mr Irfan would typically charge the PMD for four to five hours at home after completing his round of deliveries.

Mr Muhammad Irfan Danish Azhar was alone in the lift with his PMD when it caught fire on June 3, 2021.PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO FILE
Senior fire investigator Muhammad Faizal said the most probable scenarios leading to the fire include cumulative damage to the battery pack and overheating of components.

Mr Irfan had used a 24Ah battery pack in the PMD that day, the court heard. A 15Ah battery pack came with the PMD when he bought it.

Investigations found that the motor of the PMD was also modified, likely to allow the user to ride it at a higher speed.

The inquiry continues.

In 2021, there were 32 fires involving PMDs and 23 involving power-assisted bicycles.

More on this Topic
Five people taken to hospital after fire in HDB block in Yishun Ring RoadOne dead after Wednesday's fire at New Upper Changi Road HDB flat

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Five tips to prevent electrical fires

- Regularly check your device’s batteries for any damage or deformities, including the presence of corrosion or a powdery residue.

- Do not charge a personal mobility device or power-assisted bicycle in the escape path of your residence.

- Charge your device on a hard, flat surface so that heat can dissipate.

- Use a power adaptor that carries the Safety Mark and is recommended by the device’s manufacturer.

- Buy a PMD that is certified under the UL2272 standard. Power-assisted bicycles should be certified under the EN15194 standard and bear the Land Transport Authority’s orange seal of approval.

Sources: Singapore Civil Defence Force, Land Transport Authority and National Fire And Emergency Preparedness Council

​

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Couple's PMA catches fire at Bedok carpark during food delivery​

photo_librarySee 18 More Photoschevron_rightchevron_left

TNP
Feb 3, 2025

Aljunied grassroots adviser Shamsul Kamar on Feb 1 shared on Facebook that a personal mobility aid caught fire at the carpark of Block 541 Bedok North Street 3 the night before.

The couple riding the PMA, who were making a food delivery, had detected a strange smell and dismounted.

"The rider swiftly retrieved a spare battery and moved away before the PMA caught fire," according to Mr Shamsul.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force said it received a report of a mobility device fire at 9.20 pm on Jan 31.

No injury was reported.

Preliminary investigations showed that the fire could have started from the battery on the PMA.

Netizen Linda Ng commented on the post: "There are many PMAs of this size in Sengkang and the riders use them to fetch family members."

She added that the riders at times did not heed traffic rules or give way to the elderly pedestrians.

PMAs are designed to be used by people with mobility issues due to medical conditions.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Fires involving AMDs up again in 2024 with 21.8% rise in cases; more people died in fires​

This is the second consecutive year more active mobility device fires were reported. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY
Christine Tan and Claudia Tan
Feb 13, 2025


SINGAPORE - More active mobility devices (AMDs) caught fire in 2024, with many of these blazes happening in homes.

In its annual statistics report released on Feb 13, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said there were 67 fires involving AMDs in 2024, up 21.8 per cent from 55 such fires in 2023.

This is the second consecutive year more AMD fires were reported.

The figure in 2023 was a 31 per cent increase from 42 fires in 2022. Before that, the number of AMD fires had been dropping steadily between 2019 and 2022.

AMDs include personal mobility devices (PMDs), power-assisted bicycles (PABs) and personal mobility aids (PMAs).

SCDF said AMD fires remain an area of concern, especially those that occur in homes.

There were 44 AMD fires in homes in 2024, nine more than in 2023.

The Land Transport Authority said on Jan 22 that non-compliant AMDs have led to six deaths since 2019.

SCDF’s report said the most common type of AMDs involved in fires was PABs, with 31 such cases in 2024, and 32 cases in 2023.

The number of PMDs involved in fires rose from 18 to 25, while the number of PMAs involved in fires more than doubled from five to 11.

When asked why AMD fires continued to rise, an SCDF spokesperson told The Straits Times that a significant number of such fires involve modified devices.

This includes those with additional batteries beyond the device’s original design, which voids its safety certification.

The spokesperson said: “We strongly advise the public against modifying their devices, and urge them to do their part to ensure they only use compliant devices for their own safety as well as that of their families and the community.”

The authorities have recently targeted illegally modified AMDs.

On Jan 23, Prince Bryan Tan, 29, the owner of an electric bicycle shop, was fined $7,000 for selling a non-compliant battery and an illegally modified PAB. It was the first such prosecution here.

The non-compliant devices he sold were linked to two separate blazes in Hougang and Bukit Batok in 2024, with one user suffering burns.

To prevent AMD fires, SCDF urged users to only purchase devices with the UL2272 certification from original manufacturers or official retailers.

Devices should not be left charging unattended for long periods of time. They should also not be placed near combustible materials or along escape routes, said SCDF.

More fire deaths​

Five people died in fires in 2024, up from three in 2023.

In February 2024, two separate fires killed two people in HDB flats at Marsiling Road and Canberra Crescent respectively.

A man, 60, died in a fire at Block 76 Lorong Limau in Whampoa in May 2024, while another man, 44, died in a blaze outside a flat in Block 107 Potong Pasir Avenue 1 in August that year.

The fifth victim, a 79-year-old woman, was killed in a blaze at Block 692A Choa Chu Kang Crescent in September 2024.

In the case of two men who died in a fire at a Kaki Bukit industrial building that month, SCDF said the cause of death is still under investigation.

Eighty people were injured in fires in 2024, with 81 such injuries in 2023.

The total number of blazes rose from 1,954 in 2023 to 1,990 in 2024, due to more fires at commercial premises, and social and communal premises, which include community centres and religious sites.

There were 968 fires in homes in 2024, similar to the 970 in 2023.

Unattended cooking and electrical fires - including faults in electrical wiring or overloaded sockets - remained the top two causes of home fires.

There were also more vehicle fires in 2024. Of the 220 such fires in 2024 - up from 215 in 2023 - only one involved an electric vehicle.

SCDF said the main cause was ignition sources, such as overheating and electrical faults in the engine compartment.

Fewer false alarm calls​

One piece of good news was that SCDF received 245,279 emergency calls in 2024, down 0.6 per cent from 246,832 calls in 2023.

Of all the emergency calls in 2024, 5,713, or 2.3 per cent, were false alarm calls.

This is a 9.1 per cent decrease from 6,285 such calls received in 2023.

This can be partly due to public education efforts on the usage of emergency hotlines, said SCDF.

Still, it said false alarm calls remain a concern as they consume available resources for emergencies.

The overall response rate of community first responders (CFRs) who assisted with cardiac arrests and minor fires increased from about 43.8 per cent to 50.3 per cent in 2024.

They had responded to alerts sent via the myResponder app.

SCDF said there were 40,245 new signups on the app in 2024, up 14.1 per cent from 2023.

The app notifies CFRs of cardiac arrest and fire cases within 400m of their location, and identifies nearby AEDs available.

There are over 203,000 CFRs registered in the app, which was launched in 2015.

Since then, CFRs who had been alerted via the app have saved the lives of 94 cardiac arrest victims.

 

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Hougang flat PMD fire: ‘I told my wife to throw our daughter out the window so I could catch her’​

More AMDs caught fire in 2024. One of them involved a PMD at Block 313 Hougang Avenue 5. Seven months on, the family recalls what happened that night, and the lessons learnt.​

Ms Norharyani Jasman with her husband Muhammad Asif and their daughter outside their home at Block 313 Hougang Avenue 5 on March 13.ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
Claudia Tan and Joakim Kang
Mar 23, 2025

SINGAPORE – As a fire ravaged their Hougang flat on the second storey, the couple had difficult decisions to make.

Ms Norhayani Jasman, 33, was hiding in the kitchen toilet with her husband, Mr Muhammad Asif, 37, and their five-year-old daughter.

Ms Norhayani’s personal mobility device (PMD) caught fire at around midnight. She had plugged the device in at about 11pm on Aug 15, 2024, and had intended to leave it charging overnight in their living room, near the flat’s entrance.

With smoke spreading through their rental unit at Block 313 Hougang Avenue 5 on Aug 16, Mr Asif decided he would jump to the ground floor, and his wife would throw their daughter out the window to him.

Mr Asif recalled hearing a loud beeping noise coming from the living room that night.

The PMD burst into flames as he stepped out of his bedroom.

With the entrance to the flat blocked, the couple grabbed their child, Nor Assyifa Alya Muhammad Asif, and ran into the toilet at their kitchen.

As smoke engulfed the three-room rental flat, the family’s only escape route was through their kitchen window.

Mr Asif, an outlet manager at a fast-food chain, said: “I decided to jump out first. I told my wife to throw our daughter out of the window and I would catch her.”

Shin Min Daily News reported that a man jumped from his second-storey flat, and a child was thrown from the unit.

About 30 residents were evacuated by the police as a precaution.

As Ms Norhayani, a property management executive, picked the girl up in the toilet, she told her: “Papa is downstairs. I’m going to throw you to Papa. I love you.”

After catching her, Mr Asif could not stand, as he broke both heels from the fall.

Mr Asif explaining how he leapt from a second-floor window as smoke engulfed his flat.ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
Ms Norhayani was rescued by Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) firefighters at about 12.50am. Covering her with a fire blanket, they escorted her out of the unit.

Mother and daughter were sent to Singapore General Hospital.

Ms Norhayani had second-degree burns on her hands, while the girl sustained a hairline fracture on her skull.

Mr Asif was taken to Changi General Hospital, where doctors inserted nine screws into his heels, leaving him using a wheelchair for six weeks.

More on this Topic
‘So scared, my legs went numb’: Electric bicycle sparks blaze in Bedok HDB corridorFires involving AMDs up again in 2024 with 21.8% rise in cases
In its annual statistics released on Feb 13, the SCDF said more active mobility devices (AMDs) caught fire in 2024, with many of these blazes happening in homes.

There were 67 fires involving AMDs in 2024, up from 55 such fires in 2023.

This is the second consecutive year that more AMD fires were reported.

Asked about their PMD, the couple said they bought it from a shop in 2023, and had been using it to send their daughter to school.

They usually charged it overnight in the living room.

When the device’s battery malfunctioned on Aug 1, Ms Norhayani took it to a bike shop near her home.

The shop owner claimed their replacement batteries were approved by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

In response to ST’s queries, an LTA spokesperson said investigations into the incident have been completed. As the device was badly burnt, the cause of the fire was unable to be determined, and no further action was taken.

Added the spokesperson: “LTA would like to remind members of the public to purchase and use only devices, parts, including batteries, from original manufacturers or official retailers, and to check for defects and modifications when purchasing second-hand devices online.”

Those who spot devices that pose fire risks can report them to their town councils, management corporations or to the SCDF.

Improper charging​

Mr Shir Khan Amzalah, general manager of TECS Fire and Safety and a former SCDF firefighter, said lithium batteries in PMDs can be a fire risk when there is overcharging, improper charging and modification.

Improper charging refers to using non-original chargers or using chargers that do not meet the manufacturer’s safety ratings, said Mr Khan.

In its advisory, SCDF urged users to purchase only devices with UL2272 certification from original manufacturers or official retailers.

Devices should not be left charging unattended for long periods of time, and should not be placed near combustible materials or along escape routes.

Mr Khan said lithium battery fires are self-sustaining as the reaction produces its own oxygen, and this makes the blaze hard to extinguish. It is not effective to use water to put such fires out, making them difficult to contain.

The smoke from lithium fires differs from that of regular fires as it produces hydrogen fluoride – a highly toxic and corrosive gas.

Said Mr Khan: “A person may develop skin burn and eye irritation if they come into contact with it. They may get a burning sensation in their throat and lungs, and face breathing difficulties.”

He said PMD users should consider purchasing lithium fire blankets, which can help contain fire and smoke.

These blankets have labels indicating they are meant for battery fires and can cost upwards of $500 for a 1.5m by 1.5m sheet.

No more PMDs​

After the incident, the family moved to another rental flat nearby.

An Aljunied-Hougang Town Council spokesman said it helped remove the burnt furniture and appliances, and washed and repainted the area outside the unit.

On Oct 26, 2024, the family returned to their flat and are now waiting to move into their three-room Tampines BTO apartment in 2025.

Through crowdfunding and MediSave, Ms Norhayani managed to pay Mr Asif’s $27,000 medical bill.

He now uses a bicycle to send their daughter to school in the morning.

In the evenings, Ms Norhayani takes public transport to pick her daughter up.

Mr Asif can now walk after undergoing physiotherapy, but still feels pain in his heels.

The fire left its traces on the flat and on Ms Norhayani’s family.ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO
The fire has had a psychological impact on the family.

Ms Norhayani said: “When we moved back, we kept waking up from the noise of passing cars. Every time I heard a noise, I would jump up and say, ‘Something’s wrong’.

“My daughter is still traumatised by loud noises. Whenever she hears a plane fly past, she’ll jump. She doesn’t fully understand what happened that night, and asks why I threw her out of the window.”

She added: “No more PMDs for our family.”

 

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‘So scared, my legs went numb’: Electric bicycle sparks blaze in Bedok HDB corridor​

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The fire occurred outside an 11th-floor unit at Block 202 Bedok North Street 1.PHOTOS: SCDF

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A worker from the town council cleaning the charred corridor outside the affected unit.ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
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Christie Chiu
Feb 14, 2024

SINGAPORE - Ms Eileen See had woken up at around 3am on Feb 13 to use the toilet when she was startled by a loud bang.

After rushing out of her Housing Board unit on the 11th floor of Block 202 Bedok North Street 1, she saw a raging blaze and black smoke billowing near the unit next door.

The 63-year-old cleaner immediately called the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for help before evacuating.

The fire left the 11th-floor corridor of the block in a charred mess.

SCDF said it was alerted at 3.45am to the fire, and that the occupants of the affected unit had evacuated the flat by the time its rescuers arrived.

Three of the occupants were assessed for smoke inhalation, and two were taken to Singapore General Hospital. One person declined to be taken to hospital.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire had likely originated from the battery pack of a charging powered-assisted bicycle (PAB) that was left charging outside the unit.


Residents The Straits Times spoke to said the occupants were a Thai family of four and that one of the family members used the PAB as a food delivery rider.

When ST arrived at the scene at around 5pm, the incident site had already been cleaned by town council workers. Electrical wiring and lights along the corridor that had been damaged by the fire had also been replaced.

There was also no significant damage inside any of the units.

However, the walls and ceilings of about five units were still blackened with soot. The affected unit’s windows had almost completely melted or shattered, leaving only the frames intact.

The affected floor has 10 three-room flats.

Ms See, who returned to her home around 5am after being told by rescuers that it was safe to do so, said the electricity in her flat was out for about 12 hours.

A worker from the town council cleaning the charred corridor outside the affected unit.ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
When ST visited Ms See, she said she still had no gas and pointed out that she shares a now-melted gas pipe with the affected unit.

A resident of a neighbouring unit, who declined to be named, said she was woken up around 3am by her daughter-in-law, who also heard the loud sound.

Speaking to ST in Mandarin, she described the scene as chaotic and added: “I was so scared, (that) my legs went numb.”

She also said she helped a woman in her 20s from the affected unit with burn injuries and a soot-covered face evacuate.


Another neighbour, who wanted to be known only as Ms Ng, said four residents sought shelter in her home, about five units away from the affected flat, as it was not in immediate danger.

One of the neighbours she took in was a resident of the affected unit, said Ms Ng. She had run over barefoot while covering her five-year-old daughter in a blanket.

“She kept saying ‘my house, my house’ and asked for some water,” Ms Ng, 55, said, adding that the woman seemed to be having a difficult time breathing while the child was in a state of shock.

Ms Ng also said a few residents had tried to help put out the fire.

A domestic helper, who lives in the unit directly above the affected unit, said residents on the 12th floor were also made to evacuate. The electricity in her unit went out for about four hours.

To prevent fires, the SCDF reminded the public not to charge the batteries of personal mobility devices and PABs overnight or for extended periods.

SCDF also urged people not to purchase or use non-original batteries.