Kallang Motorcycle on Fire, Fifth Vehicle Fire in a Week!

 

A motorcycle caught fire at the junction of Crawford Street and North Bridge Road on March 7, marking the fifth reported vehicle fire in Singapore within a week. A photo circulating on social media showed the motorcycle engulfed in flames, producing thick black smoke.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) confirmed that it was alerted to the fire at around 3:10 pm. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene and extinguished the blaze using a hose reel and a compressed air foam backpack. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and SCDF is investigating the cause of the fire.

This incident follows two vehicle fires reported on March 6. One case involved a bus that caught fire on the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE), while another involved a car in Tampines Street 31. The rapid succession of such incidents has raised concerns about vehicle safety.

SCDF’s latest emergency medical services and enforcement statistics for 2024 indicate that vehicle fires make up the largest category of fires occurring in non-building premises. Out of 607 emergency calls received for such incidents, 220 were related to vehicle fires.

According to SCDF, the leading causes of vehicle fires include ignition sources such as overheating and electrical faults in the engine compartment. These issues can arise from poor maintenance, faulty wiring, or mechanical failures.

Vehicle fires can pose significant dangers, not just to drivers and passengers but also to nearby road users and pedestrians. Thick smoke from burning vehicles can obstruct visibility, increasing the risk of road accidents. Additionally, explosions from fuel tanks or other combustible components can cause severe injuries or damage to surrounding property.

To minimize the risk of vehicle fires, SCDF advises regular vehicle maintenance, including checking electrical wiring, ensuring proper ventilation for the engine, and promptly addressing any overheating issues. Car owners are also encouraged to install fire extinguishers in their vehicles as a precautionary measure.

The increasing frequency of vehicle fires in Singapore raises questions about whether more preventive measures are needed. While SCDF’s response has been swift in all reported cases, public awareness and proactive maintenance by vehicle owners will be crucial in reducing such incidents.

Investigations into the recent vehicle fires are ongoing, and authorities may release further findings to determine whether there is a pattern or specific underlying causes behind the surge in cases.