https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...ed-to-electric-bike-pmd-break-out-on-same-day
The fires occurred at Block 392 Yishun Avenue 6 (left) and Block 345 Yishun Avenue 11. PHOTOS: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS, SGFOLLOWSALL/TELEGRAM
Aug 24, 2024, 05:06 PM
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.
It added that the fire on the eighth floor involved a bedroom and was extinguished with a water jet, but it had also caused the living room area to sustain heat and smoke damage.
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.
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https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...-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
Updated Aug 21, 2024, 05:42 AM
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 ST visited the area on Aug 19, 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 ST, 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
It 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.
But after engagement and education on the importance of keeping these areas clear, most residents have complied, it 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: SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE/FACEBOOK
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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
Aug 24, 2024, 05:06 PM
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.
It added that the fire on the eighth floor involved a bedroom and was extinguished with a water jet, but it had also caused the living room area to sustain heat and smoke damage.
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.
-------------------
https://www.straitstimes.com/singap...-mobility-devices-from-common-areas-by-aug-20
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
Updated Aug 21, 2024, 05:42 AM
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 ST visited the area on Aug 19, 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 ST, 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
It 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.
But after engagement and education on the importance of keeping these areas clear, most residents have complied, it 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: SINGAPORE CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE/FACEBOOK
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