FIRE SERVICE (Monitoring of causes of fire outbreaks)

Encik Mansor Haji Sukaimi asked the Minister for Social Affairs whether the Fire Service undertakes regular monitoring of the causes of fire outbreaks with the view of notifying Governmental or other bodies the extent to which the activities of such bodies (or their inattention on certain aspects of their activities) had directly or indirectly contributed towards the fire outbreaks; and, if no monitoring action is being done, what measures he will take to ensure the operation of such a reporting system.

Dr Ahmad Mattar: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Singapore Fire Brigade is not vested with powers of investigation and interrogation to establish the causes of fires. This function is presently carried out by the Police. However, the Fire Brigade does monitor fire outbreaks, and where causes of fires can be determined, they are categorised for statistical purposes and for departmental use.

Whenever it is known that the activities of any Governmental or other bodies have contributed directly or indirectly to the cause of a fire, it is the practice of the Fire Brigade to notify the department or body concerned. If it is established that the lack of attention or care by any organisation on certain aspects of its activities has contributed to the cause of a fire, the Fire Brigade will also inform the relevant body accordingly.