Fire in HDB flat at Toa Payoh, 70 residents evacuated

A big fire in HDB flat at Toa Payoh has just been reported. As per reports, a loud explosion was heard today morning (Jan 10).

70 residents of the building had to be evacuated.

According to The Straits Times, the fire broke out at a flat on the 15th floor, at Block 45, Toa Payoh Lorong 5.

The SCDF was alerted to the incident at around 9:40 am, and had to use force to enter the flat as there was no one inside at the time.

 70 residents had to be evacuated by SCDF and Singapore Police Force officers. They were temporarily shifted to the nearby Toa Payoh East Community Centre.

PHOTO: SCREENGRAB THE STRAITS TIMES

Word is, the flat belongs to a doctor. The fire is said to have engulfed the entire living room of the flat.

Thankfully, no injuries have been reported. Residents were shocked by the incident though, and experienced a strong, burning smell… 

The cause of the fire is being investigated.

• If you are in an unfamiliar place, like say, the mall, spot and note the fire exits.
• Unless you are trapped, exit by the stairs. Do not use the lifts. The most effective way out is to lay low and move.
• If you are trapped in your house, move to a room with a window. Call 995 and let them know your situation.

Open the windows as widely as possible and shout for help. Do not attempt to jump. Do not throw anyone down. It is dangerous.

• Do not smoke inside the house, especially when you are going to sleep.
• At home, keep candles at a safe distance from the bed, carpet, and curtains. Extinguish them before sleeping.
• Switch off electrical appliances when not in use. Don’t forget to unplug the iron after use.
• Call an electrician instead of undertaking any electrical work on your own at home.
• Do not throw flammable things down the refuse chute.
• Keep flammables like matches, lighters, etc out of the reach of the children.
• Do not store more than one LPG cylinder in the kitchen. Check the tubing of the cooking gas for signs of wear and tear. 

It may come as a shock that it is smoke inhalation, and not burns, that is the number 1 cause of death related to fires. 

Smoke inhalation occurs when the victim breathes in the products of combustion during a fire. Carbon monoxide poisoning has been found to be the leading cause of death in smoke inhalation.

In case of smoke inhalation in children:

• Call for help. Singapore emergency ambulance no is 995.
• It is important to drag the child away from the smoke and get him out into the fresh air.
• Have the child sit down until he begins to feel better. Cover him with a blanket.
• After coughing has subsided, offer a glass of water to calm a burning throat.
• Place a cool washcloth over his eyes and forehead.
• Check his breathing. Loosen clothes around the neck and torso to help breathing.
• If he is unconscious, turn his head to the side to prevent possible vomit from choking him.
• See a doctor as soon as possible for further assessment.

(Source: The Straits Times)

Also READ: 7 Fire safety tips by SCDF that can save your life