Fire caused by PAB at Pipit Road, 90 residents evacuated

Singapore — Another fire involving a Power-Assisted Bicycle (PAB) was reported on Wednesday night (Nov 10), resulting in around 90 residents from nearby units being evacuated. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) announced on Wednesday that a PAB was placed along the corridor on the ninth floor of a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat at Block 94 Pipit Road. [caption id="attachment_390628" align="aligncenter" width="1317"] Photo: FB screengrab/Singapore Civil Defence Force[/caption] SCDF was alerted to the fire caused by the PAB at around 8:05 pm. SCDF firefighters used one compressed air foam backpack and a water jet to extinguish the fire and damp down the affected area. As a result of the fire, the corridor was affected by heat and smoke damage. SCDF and the police evacuated approximately 90 residents from nearby units as a precautionary measure. They were subsequently allowed to return to their homes. Two individuals with breathing difficulties were assessed by a paramedic, although they refused conveyance to the hospital. Preliminary investigations into the cause of the fire indicate that it was of electrical origin from the PAB. [caption id="attachment_390627" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Photo: FB screengrab/Singapore Civil Defence Force[/caption] "We understand that after the fire started, several members of the public had attempted to extinguish the fire using buckets of water and a fire extinguisher before SCDF's arrival," said SCDF. [caption id="attachment_390626" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Photo: FB screengrab/Singapore Civil Defence Force[/caption] "SCDF will be reaching out to these individuals to commend them for their quick-thinking and prompt action in attempting to put out the fire." The most recent fire caused by an electrical mobility device was on Oct 8 at Jurong West Street 93. A person was found inside the fire-affected bedroom and was pronounced dead at the scene by a paramedic, said SCDF. Members of the public are reminded of the prevention of such fires with the following fire safety tips highlighted in an infographic provided by SCDF. Non-UL2272 PMDs (Personal Mobility Device) and any form of modifications to PMDs pose a fire risk and threaten public safety. Owners of these devices are strongly encouraged to dispose of their devices at the appropriate recyclers. /TISG [caption id="attachment_390625" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Photo: FB screengrab/Singapore Civil Defence Force[/caption] Read related: Fire at West Jurong kills one, injures another — preliminary investigation indicates blaze was electrical origin from PMD https://theindependent.sg/fire-at-west-jurong-kills-one-injures-another/