“Early Morning Power Bank Fire in Balestier Displaces 100 Residents “

Approximately 100 residents were evacuated from their serviced apartments early Tuesday morning (March 12) after a power bank ignited in one of the units. The fire occurred around 5 am at Citadines Balestier Singapore, prompting a swift response.

By 8 am, Shin Min Daily News reporters on the scene noted two fire engines and over ten firefighters. Xue, a 56-year-old tourist, shared that he evacuated his eighth-floor apartment immediately after hearing the fire alarm at 5:30 am. “The smell of smoke was strong in the corridor, and many residents had already gathered downstairs,” he explained, mentioning that he couldn’t return to his unit for another two hours.

Eva, another resident, managed to re-enter her 20th-floor apartment around 8 am. “There was water pooled in the elevator, and a smoky smell lingered in the corridor,” she said, noting that the power was cut off due to the incident. She also heard that residents on the 26th floor and above remained outside the building until close to 9 am.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported that the fire originated from a portable charger in a 26th-floor unit. Residents had mostly evacuated before SCDF arrived to extinguish the blaze using a hosereel. One person was checked for smoke inhalation but declined hospital transport.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway. The Consumer Product Safety Office advises users to avoid leaving power banks charging for extended periods to prevent overheating. It is also recommended to keep power banks away from metal objects and ensure they are properly inserted into USB ports. Choosing devices with safety features like overcharge, short-circuit, and overheating protection can further reduce risks.