SINGAPORE - A pile of rubbish caught fire in the carpark of Orchard Plaza on Monday (Dec 21) evening, sparking frenzied efforts by tenants and shopkeepers to put out the blaze.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the blaze was put out by a security guard before firefighters arrived. It is investigating the cause of the fire.

"There was a strong smell of something burning, and I saw dark smoke coming out of the door leading to the carpark," said sales assistant Jasmine Ang, 46.

Ms Ang said some tenants tried to go down to the carpark to put out the fire.

It is the latest in a string of incidents to hit the shopping street this month.

On Friday (Dec 18), a fire broke out in a restaurant at Lucky Plaza, causing the building to be evacuated. No injuries were reported.