Singapore has witnessed a surge in vehicle fires, with the latest incident occurring on the morning of March 6 in Tampines. This marks the third reported car fire in just five days.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) received an alert about a burning car on Tampines Street 31 at approximately 7:20 a.m. Firefighters promptly responded, using a hose reel and a compressed air foam backpack to extinguish the flames. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
A video circulating captures the dramatic scene, showing a car on the right lane engulfed in flames. Three firefighters can be seen working to douse the fire while retrieving additional equipment from their emergency vehicle, which was parked nearby. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
This incident follows two other recent vehicle fires. On March 2, a man lost his life when his car crashed on Nicoll Highway and burst into flames. Dashcam footage revealed that the vehicle was speeding before striking a road divider and colliding with other cars. Upon impact, the car flipped sideways and immediately caught fire. Bystanders and rescue teams were unable to reach the trapped driver in time.
Another case occurred on March 5 in Jurong West, where a driver managed to escape unscathed after his car’s engine compartment caught fire. Firefighters swiftly extinguished the flames, preventing further damage.
The rise in vehicle fires has raised concerns. According to SCDF's annual statistics report released on February 13, there were 220 vehicle fires in 2024, an increase from 215 in 2023. While the difference appears small, the increasing frequency of such incidents in a short span has put the issue in the spotlight.
The SCDF has since advised all motorists to keep a fire extinguisher in their vehicles. In a Facebook post on February 18, the agency highlighted the importance of having an extinguisher on hand, as it can help contain small fires before they spread. However, the SCDF cautioned that if the vehicle is an electric car or if the flames appear uncontrollable, drivers should immediately retreat to a safe distance of at least 15 meters and call 995 for emergency assistance.
Earlier this year, another major incident involving a vehicle fire occurred on February 27, when a six-car pile-up on the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) near Paya Lebar led to two vehicles catching fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in that case.
While the exact causes behind these fires vary, experts suggest that common factors include overheating engines, electrical malfunctions, fuel leaks, and accidents leading to ruptured fuel lines. Given the rise in such cases, motorists are urged to perform regular vehicle maintenance and remain vigilant for any signs of mechanical issues.
With vehicle fires becoming an increasing concern, the SCDF’s call for fire safety awareness among drivers is more relevant than ever.
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