A significant fire erupted in a 10th-storey unit of the Simsville condominium in Geylang East Avenue 2. The incident occurred in the early hours of December 2, prompting an emergency response and evacuation of residents.
Resident Reactions and Evacuation
Initially, residents like 65-year-old retiree Lau Kok Leong hesitated to evacuate, assuming the fire alarm was a false alert, a common occurrence in the condominium. However, realizing the seriousness of the situation as the alarm continued, Lau, his wife, and their maid evacuated their sixth-storey unit. They witnessed flames and smoke emanating from the affected unit, along with glass fragments from the windows on the ground.
Emergency Response and Fire Control
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and police evacuated approximately 80 residents. SCDF deployed a fire engine, two Red Rhinos, two fire bikes, two support vehicles, and an ambulance to the scene. The fire, which originated in a bedroom of the 10th-storey unit, was extinguished within 20 minutes using a water jet. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Safety Reminders from SCDF
In light of this incident, the SCDF has issued safety reminders to the public. Residents are advised to always switch off electrical appliances when not in use and to regularly check the condition of electric cables, replacing or repairing frayed cables promptly. Overloading electrical outlets with multiple appliances and leaving cooking unattended are also discouraged to prevent similar incidents.
For more details on the Geylang East condo fire and safety guidelines, visit the Singapore Civil Defence Force website.
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