The fire, which appeared to have been on the third floor, was extinguished by the time ST arrived at the scene at about 10.50am. - ST
SINGAPORE: Three people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out in the kitchen of an HDB flat in Toa Payoh on Monday (Oct 6) morning.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said that they were alerted to the fire, which happened at Block 63, Lorong 5 Toa Payoh, at about 9.45am.
When SCDF arrived at the scene, the kitchen in a third-floor unit was on fire. The fire was extinguished with a water jet, SCDF said.
About 50 people were evacuated from the affected block, it added.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire is likely of electrical origin.
Among the three taken to Singapore General Hospital, two were assessed for smoke inhalation, while the third felt unwell, SCDF said.
In photos of the incident shared with The Straits Times, plumes of black smoke can be seen billowing from the building.
In photos of the incident shared, plumes of black smoke can are seen billowing from the building.
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Cai Yinzhou told ST that no one was in the affected unit at the time of the incident.
He added that volunteers from the Community Centre and Town Council were already on site to assist when he arrived at about 10.30am.
“We are assisting the affected unit with rehoming, to assess the extent of the damage, and to bring out any items that can be recovered,” he said.
Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Cai Yinzhou speaking to residents from 63 Toa Payoh Lorong 5, following a fire that broke out on Oct 6.
The fire was already extinguished when ST was at the scene at about 10.50am.
Several residents were sitting at a pavilion next to the affected block. Paramedics were tending to two women who were seen with oxygen masks on.
SCDF personnel were seen packing their equipment while the area remained cordoned off by the police.
Residents were able to head back to their home at around 11am.
Awal, who lives in the affected unit, was out doing food deliveries when he received a call from one of his neighbours about the fire at 10am.
The 29-year-old lives in the one-room rental unit with his five children, aged between eight and two.
The fire was already extinguished when ST was at the scene at about 10.50am.
When asked about the possible cause of the fire, Awal said: “I don’t know, it could be the wiring in the kitchen, maybe.”
Muhammud Hd Yazid, 33, who lives in the unit next door, told ST that he smelt something burning at around 9.45am.
“When I opened my front door, I saw white smoke coming out from the unit,” he said, adding that he had quickly checked if Mr Awal’s children were inside.
“When I realised they weren’t at home, I left and called 995,” he added.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. - The Straits Times/ANN
