Fire breaks out at grass patch off Whampoa HDB block


PUBLISHED ONAugust 15, 2026 2:28 AMUPDATEDAugust 15, 2026 3:14 AMBYSean LerA vegetation fire broke out at a Housing and Development Board (HDB) estate in Whampoa on Thursday (Aug 13) at about 3.30pm.
The affected area, about the size of a boxing ring, is near a carpark.
A thick smoke plume was seen from across the road at about 500 metres away.
When AsiaOne arrived at the scene, items such as candles, joss sticks and partially burnt joss paper were seen scattered along a stretch of pavement and grass patch near the area affected by the fire.
Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) firefighters arrived shortly after.

In response to AsiaOne's queries, SCDF said that the fire near Block 34 Whampoa West affected an area measuring about five by five metres.
The fire was put out using a hose reel and that no injuries were reported in the incident, SCDF added.
The cause of fire is under investigation.
On the first day of the Hungry Ghost Festival, SCDF urged the public to exercise caution when conducting activities such as burning of joss sticks and incense papers.
They should ensure that smouldering embers are completely extinguished before leaving, and use burners and containers placed on sturdy ground and away from combustible materials and residential premises.
SCDF also advised the public to avoid placing joss sticks or candles on grass patches or fields.
The National Environment Agency also urged members of the public to be considerate and to keep shared spaces clean while paying respects.
Last year, there were 109 cases of vegetation fires in Singapore.
[[nid:742547]]