Fire safety is one of those things that rarely gets our attention until it’s too late. But in a dense city like Singapore, where homes sit side by side, the risks are real.
In 2024 alone, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) responded to 1,990 fire cases, almost half of which happened in residential buildings. Knowing how to act in the moments before, during, and after a fire can save not just property, but lives. So here’s us telling you what to do in the instance of a fire, and how to stay prepared.
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The growing fire threat: Why the numbers matter
Every year, we hope fire statistics don’t climb. In 2024, Singapore faced 1,990 fire cases — a 1.8% increase over 2023 — as reported by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). Remarkably, nearly half of those fires occurred in homes, with 968 residential cases, leading to 80 injuries and five tragic deaths. These numbers are stark reminders that even in the safest spaces, fire risk is ever-present.
What’s more concerning is the surge in fires involving Active Mobility Devices (AMDs) like e-bikes and Personal Mobility Devices. These accounted for 67 incidents in 2024, up 21.8% from the previous year. Of these, 44 happened inside homes, signalling that everyday household devices are becoming unexpected hazards.
At-a-Glance: 2024 Fire Statistics
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total fire incidents | 1,990 |
| Residential fires | 968 (~49%) |
| Fire-related injuries | 80 |
| Fire-related fatalities | 5 |
| AMD-related fire incidents | 67 (↑21.8%) |
| AMD fires in homes | 44 |
All figures based on SCDF 2024 data
These rising figures aren’t just statistics. Residential fires, particularly those started by unattended cooking or electrical mishaps, remain alarmingly common. Add in the rising threat posed by AMD batteries, and suddenly, the need for even minimal fire cover looks far more essential.
Below we look at specific steps to take before, during, and after a fire which will help you put precautionary measures in place and cut down your losses.
Before a fire: Prepare your home and household
1. Know your coverage
Structural fire insurance (often mandatory for HDB) is different from a home contents policy, which covers belongings like furniture and electronics. Review both, and keep digital copies of policies and receipts for faster claims later.
2. Use certified fire-rated doors, and keep closers intact
Fire-rated main doors aren’t just regular doors. They’re built with special materials that can withstand fire and heat for 30 to 60 minutes, slowing down the spread of flames and smoke. This extra time is crucial as it allows residents to escape safely and keeps common corridors usable for neighbours and firefighters.
Singapore’s Fire Code requires certain homes, such as those along direct escape routes, to be fitted with fire-rated doors. These usually come with self-closing mechanisms, so the door automatically shuts and seals during a fire. If residents tamper with or remove these closers—for example, to stop the door from “slamming”—they compromise the door’s ability to hold back fire.
Fire-rated doors fall under HDB’s renovation guidelines. If you plan to change your door during renovations, you’ll need to use HDB-approved suppliers who can install doors that meet SCDF’s requirements. This prevents unsafe, non-compliant doors from being fitted.
A key point often overlooked is that fire-rated doors aren’t just about protecting your own household. They’re part of a broader safety system that protects the entire block. A compromised door can let smoke and flames spread quickly into corridors and stairwells, putting neighbours at risk.
3. Install and test alarms
As part of HDB’s Home Improvement Programme (HIP), older flats are upgraded to fix common issues like spalling concrete or aging pipes. Alongside these essential works, residents are also given the option to add on fire safety improvements. These include installing fire-rated main doors, upgrading gates, and fitting Home Fire Alarm Devices (HFADs) that detect smoke and sound an early warning alarm.
These fire safety items aren’t compulsory, but they are highly recommended, especially since fire-rated doors can buy valuable time in an emergency, and HFADs give families an early chance to escape.
For households in public rental flats, there is a separate assistance scheme run by SCDF and HDB. Under this scheme, HFADs are installed for free, ensuring that even the most vulnerable households have this basic protection in place.
4. Plan two ways out, and practice
Map two exit routes, identify a safe meeting point outside the block, and run occasional drills with family members, including children, seniors, and helpers. Keep corridors/stairwells clear so evacuation isn’t delayed.
During a fire: Stay low, evacuate, call 995
1. Act fast, but safely
If a fire breaks out, your response will depend on its size and severity. For small fires, such as a minor kitchen fire, trained individuals may attempt to put it out using a fire blanket or fire extinguisher. These are most effective in the early moments before flames spread.
If the fire shows signs of growing, produces heavy smoke, or you feel unsafe, do not try to fight it. Evacuate immediately and call 995. As you leave, close doors behind you; this helps to contain flames and slow the spread of smoke through the corridor.
2. Avoid smoke
One of the biggest dangers during a fire is smoke inhalation, which accounts for most fire-related fatalities in Singapore. Smoke rises, so the safest air is closer to the ground. If you must move through a smoky area, crouch or crawl to stay in clearer air.
Cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth if possible as it acts as a simple filter. Always use the stairs to evacuate; lifts can malfunction or trap passengers if power is disrupted.
3. If clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, Roll
If your clothes catch fire, running will only fan the flames. Instead, SCDF teaches the simple but lifesaving Stop, Drop, and Roll method: stop immediately, drop to the ground to reduce oxygen flow, and roll over repeatedly to smother the flames. Protect your face with your hands while rolling.
4. If escape isn’t possible
If escape is not possible, the safest option is to take refuge in a room with a window. Shut the door firmly, seal any gaps with wet towels or cloth to block smoke, and move to the window to signal for help. Flash a torchlight, wave a cloth, or shout to attract SCDF’s attention, as firefighters are trained to prioritise trapped individuals.
After a fire: Claims, housing and recovery
1. First aid and health check
Even if injuries appear minor, it’s important to treat them correctly and seek medical advice. For burns, cool the affected area under running water for at least 10 minutes, then cover with a clean, non-fluffy dressing to protect against infection. Avoid home remedies like ointments, oils, or toothpaste, which can worsen injuries.
If someone has inhaled smoke, move them to fresh air immediately. Monitor their breathing and consciousness. If they are unresponsive and you are trained, begin CPR. Remember that smoke inhalation can cause delayed health effects; even if a person seems stable, it’s wise to get checked at a clinic or hospital.
2. Document and notify
Once you and your family are safe, your first priority should be to record what happened. Take clear photographs of the damage before moving or discarding items. These images will serve as crucial evidence when you file a claim.
Notify your insurer as soon as possible since most policies specify a time window (often within a few days) to lodge notice of loss. Missing this window can delay or even void a claim. Keep receipts for any emergency expenses you incur, such as temporary accommodation, meals, or urgent repairs. Some fire insurance policies cover these under “additional living expenses.”
3. Find a short-term place to stay
Damage from a fire can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months to fix. Singapore doesn’t have dedicated “fire shelters,” but HDB can provide interim rental flats for displaced residents in crises. These are not publicly advertised and are allotted on a case-by-case basis.
If you’re looking for a short-term accommodation in the interim, practical alternatives like hotels or licensed serviced apartments, might be your best bet. Some co-living operators also provide legal short-term arrangements, though at a higher monthly cost.
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4. Apply for emergency financial help
The government has created safety nets for those affected by fire and other disasters. The North West Emergency Relief Fund, for instance, offers immediate financial aid to residents affected by fire in the North West district. There are similar funds for North East, South West, South East, and Central Singapore districts.
Applications can be made through your nearest Community Club. Other Community Development Councils (CDCs) may have similar schemes, depending on your constituency. These funds are meant to help families cover urgent needs such as clothing, food, and transport, while longer-term arrangements are being made.
📝 How to Claim Fire Insurance in Singapore
If your flat or home is affected by fire, notifying your insurer quickly is crucial. Most insurers require claims to be reported within 24–48 hours. Here’s what you should do:
- 1. Notify your insurer immediately: Call the emergency claims hotline provided in your policy. Many insurers also allow claims to be initiated online or via their app.
- 2. Document the damage: Take clear photos and videos of all affected areas before cleaning or moving items. Keep damaged items for inspection if possible.
- 3. Obtain official reports: Request a copy of the SCDF incident report or a police report if applicable. These are usually mandatory for fire-related claims.
- 4. Submit documents: Your insurer will require:
- A completed claim form (downloadable from the insurer’s website)
- SCDF/police report
- Photos or videos of the damage
- Receipts for emergency expenses such as temporary accommodation, food, or repairs (some policies reimburse these costs)
- 5. Loss assessment: For larger claims, a professional loss adjuster appointed by the insurer may visit your home to verify the extent of the damage.
- 6. Compensation: Once approved, payouts will be made according to the policy coverage. This may take a few weeks depending on the complexity of the claim.
Note: If you live in an HDB flat, the mandatory HDB Fire Insurance Scheme (currently administered by FWD) only covers structural repairs (e.g., walls, floors, doors, wiring). To protect furniture, renovations, and personal belongings, you need a separate home contents policy.
Fire Safety Checklist (print and save)
We hope the above pointers help! You can also keep this checklist handy and ensure every member of your family has gone through it and knows what needs to be done.
Stay safe and remember to always keep your fire insurance upgraded.
- Before a fire:
- Check if your flat’s main door is fire-rated (look for a certification label). Don’t tamper with door closers.
- Install and regularly test a Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD). HDB’s HIP and SCDF offer optional support schemes.
- Ensure your household has valid fire insurance.
- Keep a small fire extinguisher or fire blanket handy, and make sure family members know how to use them.
- Save emergency numbers: SCDF (995) and your Town Council hotline.
- During a fire:
- If trained, attempt to put out only small fires with an extinguisher or fire blanket. If it spreads, evacuate immediately.
- Close doors behind you if you’re escaping to slow smoke and flames.
- Stay low to avoid smoke inhalation. Cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth.
- Never use the lift. Take the stairs.
- If clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop, and Roll — stop running, drop to the ground, and roll to smother flames.
- If trapped, shelter in a room, seal door gaps with wet towels, and signal for help at the window.
- After a fire:
- Seek first aid: Cool minor burns under running water for 10 minutes, cover with a clean dressing, and avoid ointments. Always get a medical check, especially if smoke inhalation occurred.
- Document the damage (photos/videos) before moving items. Notify your insurer immediately.
- For housing: Hotels and licensed serviced apartments are valid short-term options. HDB’s minimum rental is 6 months; URA’s is 3 months for private property. Consider co-living spaces for flexibility.
- Check if your CDC offers an Emergency Relief Fund, or contact your Community Club for assistance.
- Keep receipts for emergency expenses as some may be reimbursable under your policy.
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