Man Arrested After HDB Flat Fire in Chai Chee; 50 Evacuated

SINGAPORE – A fire broke out late on September 5 at Block 31 Chai Chee Avenue, prompting the evacuation of approximately 50 residents and hospitalisation of several individuals. Cited from The Straits Time, the blaze occurred around 11.05 pm in the living room of an eighth-floor unit, where firefighters quickly extinguished the flames using a water jet. No one was inside the flat when the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) arrived.

Authorities confirmed a 58-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of “causing or contributing to the risk of dangerous fire.”

Medical assistance was rendered to four men, aged between 20 and 78, all conscious and taken to hospital for smoke inhalation assessment. Among those treated were three residents from neighbouring units, two were admitted to Changi General Hospital, one to Singapore General Hospital (SGH) as well as a firefighter, who was also sent to SGH for care.

In response to the incident, SCDF and the police evacuated about 50 people from the building as a precautionary measure while investigations into the fire’s cause continued.

(Source: Facebook/Tan Kiat How) The conditions inside the building after fire.

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In the aftermath, East Coast GRC MP Tan Kiat How expressed appreciation for the swift and coordinated response by SCDF, East Coast Town Council, and grassroots volunteers, describing it as “kampong spirit in action.” The Residents’ Network centre was opened to offer respite and refreshments to seniors, and assistance was provided to residents with mobility challenges.

Efforts were also made to restore electricity and water, clean common areas, and repaint the block’s facade. Temporary housing arrangements were made for residents whose flats suffered significant damage.

The Town Council, aided by HDB officers, ensured access to emergency care and critical infrastructure while working to return the building to normalcy.