SCDF-URA's reply to ZB, 24 Apr 2025
1. We thank 张克敖, 刘立 and 李永康 for their letters, “Deadly fire raises questions over regulatory oversight of building use” (April 11), “Thanking migrant workers for their lifesaving acts” (April 14), and “Reflections on fire hazards” (April 14).
2. The fire safety standards that we set in Singapore are stringent. All new buildings and buildings undergoing renovation works must comply with the prevailing Fire Code. These include fire safety provisions such as fire extinguishers, hose reels, emergency lightings, and maximum distance to exit staircases. In addition, exit staircases must be protected within fire-rated enclosures to support safe evacuation during a fire. The Fire Code is reviewed regularly in consultation with industry stakeholders and agencies such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority and Building and Construction Authority. 3. Building owners, tenants and business operators play a vital role in maintaining the fire and structural safety of their premises. They are responsible for ensuring the serviceability of their fire safety provisions, and obtaining all necessary permits and approvals from relevant authorities. 4. For example, they are required to engage a Qualified Person to ensure that the plans incorporate appropriate fire safety designs, and to submit the plans to the relevant authorities for approval before carrying out renovation works or introducing new businesses and activities to their premises. 5. The authorities are investigating the fire at 278 River Valley Road on 8 April. Firm action will be taken against those found responsible for contravening planning regulations and failing to comply with fire safety standards. 6. We wish to thank the community first responders who had stepped forward during the fire. Their quick thinking, collective actions, and willingness to put themselves in harm’s way, saved many lives. 7. Indeed, we would like to encourage members of the public to learn lifesaving skills, such as using fire extinguishers, applying first aid, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and using Automated External Defibrillators. These skills can make a difference between life and death in emergency incidents such as fires. They can be acquired through SCDF's Responders Plus Programme, available in in-person and online classes (go.gov.sg/scdfrpp). 8. Last, we urge all premises owners and tenants to take fire safety seriously, and not compromise on safety standards just to save money or for the sake of expediency. Such conduct can come at the cost of lives. Ryan Ong (Assistant Commissioner) Director, Fire Safety Department Singapore Civil Defence Force Martin Tan Director, Development Control, City Urban Redevelopment Authority