What a Blaze! A Punggol Flat Goes Wild Because of a Charging PMD
Picture this: it’s morning Tuesday, September 25, and the sun’s just making a cameo in the sky at 9:20 a.m. Suddenly, a smell of burning plastic hits the air. Turns out a personal mobility device (PMD) – think electric scooter or bike – was left in the kitchen, charging up while the kitchen lights were on. The result? A fire that turned a fourth‑floor unit into a mini coal‑pit.
Responding Firefighters Act Fast
Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) teams swooped in on the scene and found an ominous cloud of black smoke pouring from Block 326C Sumang Walk. With the help of a compressed air foam backpack and a trusty hose reel, the blaze was tamed before it could claim any damage or injuries.
Why Did It Happen?
- Electrical culprit: Initial probes point to the battery pack of the PMD as the ignition source.
- No casualties – that’s the silver lining.
Don’t Let Your AM Powered Ride Turn Into a Cool Stove
SCDF has got a handy little “stay safe” list for you. Follow these tips, or risk turning your living room into a fireworks show:
- Don’t overcharge batteries or leave them on the charger overnight. Your battery hates feeling like a sponge.
- Keep the charging zone away from anything that can burn or get super hot – no pile‑ups of paper, no fluff in the air, and definitely no fire‑sensitive aisle for your escape.
- Choose flat, cool surfaces for charging. The trick is letting heat spread evenly so your bike doesn’t feel like a personal sauna.
- Check for damage – bloated or corroded batteries, powdery remnants? If it’s not shining bright, it’s probably not a good idea.
A Quick Note on Record‑Keeping
First published in The Straits Times. If you want to repost or slam‑down this piece elsewhere, you’ll need permission.
