Question:
Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) how many instances of fire have been reported at indoor and multi-storey carparks in each of the last five years; (b) what are the common causes of these fires; and (c) what are the measures put in place to ensure such fires are tackled and contained in a timely manner.
Answer:
Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development:
1. The common causes of fires in indoor and multi-storey carparks include:
(a) Firstly, vehicular issues such as the overheating of the engine compartment;
(b) Secondly, electrical faults in ancillary carpark infrastructure; and
(c) Thirdly, indiscriminately disposed lighted materials.
2. The annual incidence of such fires remains low. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of fire incidents at indoor and multi-storey carparks each year was 14, 12, 18, 27, and 36 respectively. The increase in incidents in 2024 was largely driven by an increase in vehicular fires, none of which involved electric vehicles.
3. Carparks in Singapore are required to be designed with fire safety provisions. For example, indoor carparks are built with fire-rated walls and doors to contain the fire from spreading to other parts of the building. A carpark should also be well-ventilated naturally or by mechanical means to dissipate any heat and smoke. In addition, sprinklers are required for enclosed basement carparks. These fire safety measures are regularly maintained and inspected, as required under the Fire Code.
