At 1918 hours, SCDF received a call for a case of unit fire.

SCDF resources which included 1 Fire engine, 2 Fire bikes, 1 Red Rhino, 3 Support Vehicles, 3 Ambulances were immediately dispatched to Toa Payoh Lor 5, Blk 31, Unit on 9th Floor. A light fire attack vehicle arrived at the scene within 2 minutes. Upon arrival, fire fighters found the entire corridor on the 9th floor heavily smoked logged. Fire fighters, wearing breathing apparatus sets, had to make their way into the unit by forcing open the front metal gate. The entire living room was well alight. Fire was extinguished within 10 minutes with 1 water jet. A body was found inside the unit, about two feet from the metal front gate. SCDF paramedics pronounced the subject dead.

A body was found inside the unit, about two feet from the metal front gate. SCDF paramedics pronounced the subject dead.

SCDF also conducted forced entry into 3 neighboring units. This was done as a precautionary measure as the immediate area near the unit on fire was heavily smoked logged. In the interest of safety, SCDF wanted to ascertain that no one was in need of help. In addition, approximately 20 people were evacuated by SCDF and Police from the 7th and 8th storey and 10th and 11th storey of the block. 2 male subjects (1 Chinese, 1 Malay) and 1 female, Chinese, were conveyed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) for smoke inhalation and drowsiness.

The cause of fire is under investigation.