Data on hoarding-related HDB fires involving known severe cases and lowering risk thresholds and notice requirements for early intervention

Question:

Mr Shawn Loh: To ask the Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) of hoarding-related HDB fires since 2020 (i) how many involved flats previously identified as severe or complex hoarding cases and (ii) whether SCDF was able to take fire-safety action before the fire; and (b) whether the Government will reduce SCDF’s risk threshold and notice requirements for taking early action to intervene in HDB flats where severe hoarding poses significant imminent fire risk.

Answer:

Mr K Shanmugam, Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs:

1. Between 2020 and 2025, two fires occurred in the Housing and Development Board flats that were previously identified as involving severe hoarding.

2. In both cases, Government agencies and community support groups had previously engaged the residents to declutter their flat. In one case, these efforts were successful, but the hoarding behaviour recurred. As a result of the fire, the occupants of the flat suffered from smoke inhalation and burn injuries. In the other case, the resident was resistant to decluttering. The subsequent fire resulted in a fatality.

3. For hoarding cases, agencies will assess if the threshold for public health or safety risks has been crossed. In terms of fire safety, the key risk associated with hoarding is the obstruction of escape routes for occupants and neighbouring units during emergencies. In cases where the hoarding is so severe that it impedes the occupant’s escape in the event of a fire, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) may direct the occupant to clear and maintain a path of escape within the unit for safety reasons. Failure to comply is an offence carrying a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both. SCDF did not issue such a direction in either case.

4. Managing severe hoarding cases is complex and requires a whole-of-society approach. This is coordinated through the Hoarding Management Core Group (HMCG) and the New Environment Action Team (NEAT) network, which work together to address the root causes of hoarding more holistically and sustainably, beyond regulatory action. Agencies will continue to work closely to manage hoarding cases.