Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs in respect of the trial to install one fire extinguisher at the lift lobby of every two HDB blocks (a) whether an update can be provided on the implementation status; (b) what is the number of fire incidents where fire extinguishers have been used; and (c) whether the Ministry intends to extend this initiative to all HDB blocks.

Mr K Shanmugam: Under a joint initiative with Temasek Foundation, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and Town Councils, the Singapore Civil Defence Force has progressively installed fire extinguishers at Lifesavers' Emergency Points since October 2023. These fire extinguishers are co-located with existing automated external defibrillators at the lift lobbies of one in every two residential HDB blocks. To date, more than 90% of all targeted HDB blocks have been equipped and we aim to complete the roll-out by 2028.  

Since its inception, more than 220 such fire extinguishers have been used at minor fire incidents. 

At this juncture, we are focused on completing the roll-out to the remaining blocks. We will assess whether there is a need to do more thereafter.

Link to Hansard: Link

Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs whether the Ministry will consider commissioning a study to evaluate the costs saved from electrical fire prevention measures in HDB estates, such as costs saved from averted (i) property damage, (ii) healthcare costs and (iii) emergency response costs, to better inform the cost-effectiveness and justification of future regulatory policies.

Mr K Shanmugam: Singapore's fire safety regulations are benchmarked to international standards and best practices, and we also take into account their cost-effectiveness. We thank the Member for his suggestion and will consider it. 

Link to Hansard: Link

Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry will establish a Fire Victim Support Unit to provide immediate psychological first aid and long-term counselling for affected residents of HDB fires suffering psychological trauma; and (b) whether the Ministry will collaborate to host community engagement sessions in fire-affected precincts to strengthen psychological resilience and overcome shared trauma.

Mr K Shanmugam: In the event of a residential fire, immediate medical assistance will be provided to residents who have suffered injuries, including psychological first aid for those who are in mental distress. Where necessary, People's Association grassroots organisations will coordinate the provision of essential items like food and daily necessities, and the Housing and Development Board will provide temporary accommodation. Those who require long-term psychological support should seek professional help from the healthcare system. 

We assess that there is no need to establish a Fire Victim Support Unit. The Singapore Civil Defence Force usually conducts a "Post Fire Blitz" following a residential fire to engage residents in the vicinity on fire safety and promote good fire safety habits. 

Link to Hansard: Link

Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry will expand the myResponder app’s scope beyond minor fires to include alerts for all HDB residential fires; and (b) whether a dedicated "First Responder (Evacuation)" tier will be introduced to specifically alert and mobilise responders to assist elderly and mobility-impaired neighbours in evacuating buildings during high-intensity incidents, such as personal mobility aids and lithium-ion battery fires.

Mr K Shanmugam: The myResponder app activates registered members of the public, known as Community First Responders or CFRs, to respond to minor fires such as rubbish chute fires. In the case of more serious fires, such as fires in Housing and Development Board (HDB) fl ats, it is safer for these to be dealt with by the SCDF. CFRs might not have the appropriate training to deal with such fires safely. Hence, there are no plans to alert and activate CFRs through the myResponder app to put out such fires, nor to assist in evacuation.

When there is a fire in a HDB flat, if it is necessary to evacuate the residents, SCDF usually prioritises the residents on the floor affected by the fire and those residing two floors above that, rather than the whole building. Residents on the other flo ors should remain in their home for their own safety.

Elderly and mobility-impaired residents who cannot evacuate independently should also stay in their home in a safe room, close the door, inform the authorities about their location, and await assistance for evacuation if necessary.

However, there may be situations where such residents must be evacuated before SCDF’s arrival. To this end, SCDF has been helping grassroots organisations, like the People Association’s Community Emergency and Engagement Committees, to plan and conduct evacuation drills and exercises.