SINGAPORE: Latest half-year statistics (January to June 2010) from the Singapore Civil Defence Force show there has been fewer fires this year.
There were 2,395 cases - a 14 per cent drop compared to the same period last year, which saw 2,799 fires.
The SCDF says the drop in the number of fires is across all types
of premises - residential, commercial, industrial and non-building fires
such as vegetation fires. This, it says, is an encouraging sign.
For residential fires - the drop was seven per cent from 1,749 to 1,625.
The SCDF attributed this to greater public awareness of fire safety measures.
Although fires caused by rubbish has gone down 20 per cent - they still form the bulk of residential fires.
The SCDF urges the public to practise safe habits when disposing lighted materials.
But there's concern over the number of fires involving discarded items at public housing estates.
This went up by 140 cases, to hit 380.
The SCDF warns that such fires can become serious and hinder the smooth evacuation of residents.
In view of the Lunar seventh month, authorities are reminding the public
to exercise greater caution when conducting religious activities such
as burning incense papers.
In terms of fire safety enforcement, close to 6,000 checks were done by
authorities in the first half of this year, and about 1,400 Fire Hazard
Abatement Notices were issued.
This is lower than the same period last year where 1,727 of such notices were issued.
The most common mistakes were obstructions to exits and poor maintenance of fire fighting tools.
Meanwhile, emergency calls rose by seven percent to 59,295 - with most being for medical cases.
The number of non-emergency calls for ambulances was down, due mainly to greater public awareness.
- CNA/jm
I am sorry I have been slacking.