Singapore is confronting an alarming increase in residential fires, with authorities pinpointing battery malfunctions in active mobility devices (AMDs) and broader electrical issues as primary culprits.Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development, Goh Pei Ming, disclosed this information on August 30th, emphasizing the Government’s serious concern over the escalating situation.
Officials are now contemplating more stringent measures targeting both owners and retailers of non-compliant amds. This potential crackdown follows a disturbing trend: eight fire-related fatalities have occurred in 2025 to date, a significant jump from the three recorded in 2023 and the five in 2024.
Recent Tragedies Highlight Urgent Need for Safety
Table of Contents
- 1. Recent Tragedies Highlight Urgent Need for Safety
- 2. Enhanced Safety Protocols and Public Awareness
- 3. Rising PMD-Related Fires Demand Attention
- 4. Key Fire safety statistics – 2023-2025
- 5. Understanding Fire Safety in Singapore
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about Fire Safety
- 7. What warning signs indicate a potential failure in an AMD battery pack, according to Goh Pei Ming?
- 8. Electrical Faults in AMD Battery Packs Suspected in Recent Residential Fires: Insights from Goh Pei Ming
- 9. Understanding the scope of the problem: AMD Battery Fires
- 10. Goh Pei Ming’s Key Findings: Root Cause Analysis
- 11. Affected AMD Products & Battery Models
- 12. Recognizing the Warning Signs: Battery Failure Indicators
- 13. Safety Recommendations & Preventative Measures
The severity of the situation was tragically underscored by two recent incidents. In April 2025, a fire erupted in a River Valley shophouse, resulting in the death of a 10-year-old girl and injuries to 21 others. More recently, in August, a flat fire in Jalan Bukit Merah claimed the lives of two individuals in their thirties.
In response,the Government is actively evaluating various strategies to reinforce fire safety protocols across the nation. Several preventative steps are already in effect, notably the mandate requiring all new residential units and those undergoing renovations to install home fire alarm systems since 2018.
Enhanced Safety Protocols and Public Awareness
Town councils are collaborating closely with the Singapore Civil Defense Force (SCDF) to systematically eliminate fire hazards from public corridors and communal spaces. Moreover, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Ministry of Transport enforce registration and regular safety inspections for all powered personal transportation, including bicycles and personal mobility devices (PMDs).
Current regulations stipulate that all PMDs operating in Singapore must be registered with the LTA,UL2272-certified,fitted with an LTA plate,and undergo inspection every two years. experts advise that batteries must be routinely inspected for damage and charged only with compatible, safety-certified chargers.
Data from the SCDF reveals a worrying trend: 20 fires involving PMDs were reported in the first half of 2025, doubling the number recorded during the same period in 2024. This increase underscores the critical need for heightened vigilance and stricter enforcement of safety standards.
The SCDF is actively bolstering emergency response capabilities by installing fire extinguishers alongside automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in numerous HDB estates, ensuring quicker access to vital resources. as of July, over 90 percent of locations requiring these installations have been equipped with fire extinguishers.
Key Fire safety statistics – 2023-2025
| Year | fire-Related Deaths | PMD-Related Fires (First Half of Year) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | N/A |
| 2024 | 5 | 10 |
| 2025 | 8+ | 20 |
Minister Goh emphasized the importance of public awareness, encouraging residents to familiarize themselves with the locations of nearby fire extinguishers and even consider purchasing extinguishers for their homes. He also reiterated the need for widespread adoption of home fire alarms.
Regarding dry rising mains – vital firefighting systems in high-rise buildings – Minister goh stated that regular inspection regimes are already in place. An investigation revealed that a faulty dry riser, caused by an underground pipe leak, impeded firefighting efforts during a recent blaze at Block 229 Toa payoh Lorong 8 in July, requiring firefighters to manually run hoses up stairwells.
Understanding Fire Safety in Singapore
Singapore’s commitment to fire safety is a long-standing priority. The SCDF consistently conducts public education campaigns, promoting fire prevention measures and emergency preparedness. Regular inspections of buildings and adherence to strict building codes are integral to maintaining a safe environment for all residents.
Did You Know? A properly maintained smoke detector can increase your chances of surviving a fire by 50%?
Pro Tip: Regularly check your electrical outlets and appliances for signs of wear and tear. Overloaded sockets and damaged cords are a significant fire hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fire Safety
- What is UL2272 certification for PMDs? UL2272 certification demonstrates that a PMD has undergone rigorous safety testing to ensure it meets specific electrical and fire safety standards.
- are home fire alarms mandatory in Singapore? While not universally mandatory, home fire alarms are required for all new flats and those undergoing significant renovations as 2018.
- What shoudl I do if I discover a fire hazard in a common area? Report it immediately to your town council or the SCDF.
- How often should I inspect my PMD battery? Regularly check the battery for any signs of damage, swelling, or deformation.
- Where can I find more information about fire safety in Singapore? visit the SCDF website at https://www.scdf.gov.sg/ for thorough resources and guidance.
Are you confident in your ability to respond effectively to a fire emergency? What additional steps do you think could be taken to improve fire safety in residential areas?
What warning signs indicate a potential failure in an AMD battery pack, according to Goh Pei Ming?
Electrical Faults in AMD Battery Packs Suspected in Recent Residential Fires: Insights from Goh Pei Ming
Recent reports have linked several residential fires to potential electrical faults within AMD battery packs, prompting investigations and raising concerns among consumers. Goh Pei Ming, a leading electrical safety engineer, has been instrumental in analyzing these incidents and providing crucial insights into the potential causes and preventative measures. This article details the current understanding of the issue, focusing on Goh Pei ming’s findings and offering guidance for users of AMD products.
Understanding the scope of the problem: AMD Battery Fires
Over the past six months, fire departments across several states have responded to incidents involving fires originating near devices powered by AMD battery packs. While the exact number of affected units remains under examination, a pattern has emerged suggesting a correlation between specific battery models and the outbreak of these fires. These incidents aren’t limited to laptops; reports also include concerns regarding AMD-powered external battery packs and potentially, some desktop computer power supplies utilizing similar battery technology.
The primary concern revolves around lithium-ion battery failure, a known risk in portable electronics. However, the frequency and specific nature of these incidents have led investigators to suspect a manufacturing defect or design flaw specific to certain AMD battery packs.
Goh Pei Ming’s Key Findings: Root Cause Analysis
Goh Pei Ming’s analysis, conducted in collaboration with fire investigation teams, points to several potential contributing factors:
Internal Short Circuits: the most common finding has been evidence of internal short circuits within the battery cells. These shorts can generate excessive heat, leading to thermal runaway – a chain reaction resulting in fire or explosion.
Manufacturing Defects: Preliminary investigations suggest potential issues with the quality control processes during battery cell manufacturing. This includes inconsistencies in electrode materials and separator integrity.
Overcharging/Over-Discharging: While not the primary cause in most cases, Goh Pei Ming notes that improper charging practices or faulty charging circuitry can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities within the battery pack.
thermal Runaway Propagation: Once a single cell experiences thermal runaway, it can quickly spread to adjacent cells, accelerating the fire. The design of the battery pack and its thermal management system play a critical role in preventing this propagation.
Electrolyte Leakage: Evidence of electrolyte leakage was found in several damaged battery packs, indicating a compromised seal and potential for flammable material exposure.
Goh Pei Ming emphasizes the importance of understanding that these factors can often interact, creating a complex scenario that contributes to the fire risk.
Affected AMD Products & Battery Models
Identifying the specific AMD products and battery models affected is an ongoing process. However, initial reports suggest the following may be involved:
AMD Ryzen Laptops: Certain models released between late 2023 and mid-2025 are under scrutiny. Specific manufacturers and model numbers are being investigated.
AMD-Powered External Battery Packs: Several third-party manufacturers utilizing AMD battery cells have issued voluntary recalls.
Desktop Power Supplies (Limited Cases): A small number of reports have linked fires to desktop power supplies incorporating similar battery technology for backup power functionality.
Crucial: Consumers should check with their device manufacturer or retailer to determine if their product is subject to a recall or safety advisory. AMD has released a statement urging users to register their products for potential safety updates. (Link to AMD statement should be inserted here).
Recognizing the Warning Signs: Battery Failure Indicators
early detection of battery issues can considerably reduce the risk of fire. Goh Pei Ming recommends being vigilant for the following warning signs:
Excessive heat: If your device or battery pack feels unusually warm to the touch, even during normal operation, discontinue use instantly.
Swelling or Bulging: A swollen or bulging battery is a clear indication of internal pressure buildup and a potential hazard.
Unusual Odors: A chemical or burning smell emanating from the device or battery pack should be treated as a serious warning.
Performance Issues: Sudden drops in battery life or unexpected shutdowns can indicate a failing battery.
* Visible Damage: Cracks, punctures, or any other visible damage to the battery pack should prompt immediate discontinuation of use.
Safety Recommendations & Preventative Measures
To mitigate the risk of battery-related fires, Goh Pei Ming recommends the following:
- Register Your Product: Register your AMD-powered device with the manufacturer to recieve updates on safety advisories and potential recalls.
- Use Official Chargers: Always use the charger specifically designed for your device. Using incompatible chargers can damage the battery and increase the risk of failure.
- Avoid Extreme temperatures: Do not expose
