Alarm in Aljunied: 13 Evacuated After Candle Sparks Blaze in Flat

Alarm in Aljunied: 13 Evacuated After Candle Sparks Blaze in Flat

A Candle Mishap: Aljunied Flat Fire Causes Chaos

Quick Recap

  • When? Friday morning, 7:05 am.
  • Where? 6‑storey unit, Block 3, Upper Aljunied Lane.
  • What? A flickering candle sparked a fire that rattled the whole block.
  • Result? 13 residents evacuated, 2 checked by medics (no hospital needed).
  • The Fire Sequence

  • The Spark
  • A lighted candle in the living room went rogue—who knew kitchen flames could double as a one‑man pyrotechnics show?

  • SCDF to the Rescue
  • The Singapore Civil Defence Force kicked in at 7:05 am. Using a powerful water jet, they doused the blaze before it could spread beyond the living room.

  • Heat & Smoke
  • While the fire stayed contained, other parts of the unit felt the heat—think of it as a smoky-room workout that nobody wanted.

  • Evacuation Highlights

  • Self‑helpers – 3 residents tumbled out before SCDF’s arrival.
  • SCDF‑guided exit – 10 people from neighboring units got safely evacuated.
  • “They’re basically the block’s emergency squad,” said one resident.

  • Medical Check‑Ins

    Two people received precautionary medical assessments.

  • Result:* All cleared for free. No hospital trips necessary.
  • SCDF’s Friendly Reminder

    “Never forget: Keep candles, tealights, and incense sticks unattended. Extinguish them before you tap out of the house.”

  • Nearby Incident Snapshot

  • Jurong East Fire – A flat burned down on Tuesday, claiming a 48‑year‑old man.
  • Second Blaze – It ignited again the next day, likely from stubborn embers buried in the debris.
  • Habit Insight – Neighbours suggested the occupants had a tendency to hoard things, possibly contributing to the fire’s persistence.
  • Bottom Line

    A single candle turned into a block‑wide reminder: Always keep lighted items under control. The quick action of SCDF and the community’s cooperation kept the situation from spiraling into a full‑scale disaster.
    “It’s a good story, but it’s also a cautionary tale—don’t let a simple candle set off a fire.”