Review of SCDF’s Evacuation Procedures for High-Rise Fires in Older HDB Blocks

Question:

Mr Saktiandi Supaat: To ask the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has reviewed its evacuation procedures for high-rise fires in older HDB blocks; and (b) whether the SCDF has plans to require new technologies such as smoke curtains or evacuation chairs to be adopted by HDB.

Answer:

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

1. HDB residential units are designed as fire compartments to delay the spread of a fire. This facilitates fire-fighting, while enhancing the safety of residents.

2. It also enables Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to be targeted in its evacuation of residential buildings. For high rise fires, the SCDF prioritises the evacuation of occupants on the floors affected by the fire, as well as those residing in the two floors above. Residents in unaffected floors should remain in their respective units, and will only be evacuated if SCDF assesses that it is necessary. Our overall approach seeks to minimise injuries and mishaps resulting from the evacuation. It is aligned with international best practices.

3. The SCDF constantly reviews its evacuation procedures for residential buildings to ensure that they remain effective. For now, the SCDF does not have plans to implement smoke curtains or evacuation chairs in Housing and Development Board blocks. We have assessed that these measures present limited additional benefits over the existing measures. SCDF will continue to review other technologies that may enhance our operations.