Fire Outbreak in Toa Payoh Flat Forces Family to Rush Out—Luckily, No One Got Burned!
On the night of August 12, a sudden blaze erupted in one of the rooms of a four‑bedroom Housing Board flat on the third floor of Block 222 Lorong 8 in Toa Payoh. The residents—Mr Saravana Moorthy (58), his wife Madam Lolita Eclebia (58), and their 18‑year‑old son—found themselves in a firefighting frenzy right in the middle of a quiet evening.
The Fire Starts, the Panic Follows
- It all began while they were cozying up on the couch, watching television. Suddenly, the room started to glow orange and the smell of smoke rolled in.
- Mr Moorthy, who teaches engineering, tried to snuff out the flames alongside his wife and their son, but the fire was too hot to tame.
- When the fire threatened to spread, safety first: they immediately evacuated.
Madam Eclebia’s Quick‑Time Backpack & The Urgent Grab of the Passport
In the chaos, Madam Eclebia, who works at a local restaurant, admitted to letting her nerves get the better of her just for a second. “I sprinted for the backpack I usually carry to work—it was the first thing I could reach,” she recalled.
- She also snatched a passport that had accidentally drifted near the door.
- And for a touch of mystic calm, she grabbed a small statue of the Virgin Mary—because, hey, if a saint can keep the spirits high, so can a statue.
Firefighter Response & Block Evacuation
By 9:30 pm, the newsroom’s reporters were greeted by three roaring fire engines. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the police sprang into action, evacuating around 50 residents from the building.
- Mandated evacuations were carried out as a precaution—no one was left behind.
- Meanwhile, a resident named Madam Chia—who prefers staying anonymous—recounted spotting a faint scent of smoke at 8:40 pm on the 14th floor.
All Clear—No Injuries Reported
Despite the dramatic scene, there were no injuries or fatalities. The flat remains on solid ground, while the family is reassured feeling safe and secure. Though the event was scary, it also proved the importance of quick thinking and community teamwork.
With all doors locked, everyone checked in—literally and figuratively—and hugged each other, grateful that the fire fight ended without a fiery mishap. Residents went home, just touch‑somewhat smog‑stained, but with a newfound appreciation for fire drills… and for having a handy backpack handy.
<img alt="" data-caption="Fire engines at Block 223 Toa Payoh Lorong 8 on Aug 12, 2022.
PHOTO: The Straits Times” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”434bacfd-2c1e-403d-a2a8-fdcae64984dd” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/130822_fires_st.jpg”/>
Fire Breaks Out on the Third Floor of Bishan Apartment Complex
What Happened?
At around 8:20 pm a blinding blaze erupted in a third‑floor unit, forcing the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to breach the door to get to the fire.
The 65‑Year‑Old Resident
“My nephew was leaving the flat when he told me there were fire engines downstairs,” recounted the resident.
“I immediately closed all my windows and went downstairs to check it out.”
Neighbour’s First Suspicions
Another tenant, who asked to remain anonymous, swore he thought the scent of smoke was just part of the Hungry Ghost Festival.
“He added, ‘When we realised it was a fire, we immediately took our things and came downstairs.’”
SCDF’s Turn‑by‑Turn
The SCDF posted on Facebook that when they arrived, the fire was already bad‑natured and thick black smoke was gorging its way out.
Two water jets were deployed, but the unit on the third floor endured heat and smoke damage that left the whole space scarred.
Rescue and Aftermath
MP Says Fire Was Extinguished in 30 Minutes
Mr. Saktiandi Supaat, MP for Bishan‑Toa Payoh GRC, told the local media that the fire was out in about half an hour.
Families and neighbours “are taking shelter at the Residents’ Committee centre,” he said, and support services will be provided.
Cause Still Under Investigation
The SCDF has not yet pinpointed the cause of the blaze, promising a thorough inquiry into how the fire started.
Stay safe, keep windows closed, and double‑check that your neighbor’s “fire engine” isn’t just the seventh‑day fire alarm.
