Around 50 residents were evacuated from a condominium in Singapore’s Sengkang neighbourhood after a fire broke out inside a third-floor apartment on Thursday night (Oct 8).
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the blaze at Block 66 Sengkang Square, the address of La Fiesta condominium, at about 8.10pm.
The fire involved items inside the living room of the unit. Firefighters extinguished the flames using a water jet and a hose reel, preventing the incident from developing further.
Police officers and SCDF personnel evacuated about 50 people from the affected block as a precaution. No injuries were reported.
Resident Initially Thought Fire Alarm Was False
A video shared on TikTok by a user identified as CuriouslyCarla showed flames burning inside the apartment, with the fire appearing to engulf items in the living room.
The resident said they initially thought the fire alarm was another false alarm after hearing it sound three times.
However, the situation became more concerning when their housemate knocked on their door and they noticed smoke.
The incident served as a reminder that repeated fire alarms should never be ignored, even when residents suspect they may have been triggered unnecessarily.
Electrical Fault Suspected as Cause
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire was likely caused by an electrical source in the living room, although the exact cause has not been conclusively established.
Electrical fires can start when outlets are overloaded, wiring becomes damaged or appliances malfunction. Such incidents can spread quickly when household items and furniture catch fire.
Following the incident, SCDF reminded residents to avoid overloading electrical outlets, switch off appliances when they are not in use and regularly inspect electrical wires for damage.
Frayed wires and cracked cords should be repaired or replaced promptly. Residents should also avoid running cables under carpets or mats and keep wires away from hot surfaces.
Residents Urged to Take Fire Alarms Seriously
SCDF also advised the public to use only electrical appliances and plugs bearing Singapore’s Safety Mark.
Batteries and electronic devices should not be left charging unattended for extended periods or overnight, particularly when there are signs of overheating or damage.
Although no injuries were reported in the Sengkang incident, the evacuation highlights how quickly a residential fire can affect neighbouring households.
For residents living in high-rise developments, responding promptly to alarms, following evacuation instructions and keeping escape routes clear can make a critical difference during an emergency.
The incident is another reminder that fire safety begins with everyday precautions — and that an alarm should never be dismissed without checking whether there is a genuine danger.
