Synopsis
Between 2020 and 2024, Singapore recorded 23 hoarding-related fires in public housing, according to Minister K. Shanmugam. This statistic highlights the ongoing issues linked to excessive hoarding and its impact on emergency services and safety.Key Takeaways
- 23 hoarding-related fires reported from 2020 to 2024.
- Collaboration between HDB and SCDF to enhance fire safety.
- Significant risks posed by clutter obstructing emergency exits.
- Community engagement to assist hoarders and their families.
- HDB flats house 80 percent of Singapore's population.
Singapore, Feb 5 (NationPress) has documented 23 fires associated with hoarding in public housing from 2020 to 2024, amidst a backdrop of roughly 800 to 900 fires reported each year in the last five years, as shared by Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam in Parliament.
In response to a parliamentary inquiry regarding fires stemming from excessive hoarding in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, the minister indicated that in situations where significant clutter impedes emergency exits, the HDB collaborates with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to enforce fire safety protocols and enhance safety within the residence.
This statement follows a series of hoarding-related incidents in January. In one tragic event, a 66-year-old man was discovered deceased in his flat, which was so congested that it was nearly impossible to navigate. Another incident involved a fire in a hoarded apartment that resulted in three fatalities, as authorities reported that firefighters struggled to access the unit due to the overwhelming clutter, according to Xinhua.
Discussing inter-agency collaboration, Shanmugam noted that when risks to fire safety, public health, or animal welfare arise, agencies such as the SCDF, National Environment Agency, or National Parks Board step in utilizing their regulatory powers. Additionally, these agencies work with community partners to engage with hoarders and their families to assist in decluttering efforts.
On January 5, approximately 35 residents were evacuated following a fire at a vacant three-story semi-detached house in eastern Singapore.
Earlier, on December 9, 2024, 50 individuals were evacuated after a fire erupted at a Housing and Development Board (HDB) block located along Tampines Street in eastern Singapore.
HDB flats serve as public housing units established and overseen by the HDB, Singapore's public housing authority. Renowned for their affordability and community-oriented design, these flats accommodate about 80 percent of the resident population in Singapore, with over one million units constructed nationwide.
