Following the removal of a sauna cabin from the corridor of a Serangoon Housing Board flat, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has identified fire safety infringements due to the storage of items in the corridor.
The cabin had garnered attention after pictures of it went viral online, sparking debate about its placement outside HDB flats. The cabin was eventually taken down on July 11, following a request for assistance from the Marine Parade Town Council.
Responding to queries from The Straits Times, an SCDF spokesman confirmed that an inspection was conducted at Block 427 Serangoon Central on July 11 in response to public feedback.
The SCDF will be addressing the fire safety concerns raised by the storage of items in the corridor, ensuring the safety of residents in the area.
As per the report, SCDF spokesman said : “During the inspection, the sauna-like structure was found to have been removed,” said the spokesperson.
“However, several other fire safety infringements were detected, including (the) storage of items along the common corridor which resulted in obstruction to means of escape via the staircases.”
According to CNA, in response to the incident SCDF spokesperson said : “SCDF would like to remind the public that a cluttered common area can impede the evacuation of residents and hamper firefighting efforts during a fire”.
“Residents are strongly encouraged to do their part to maintain a safe living environment by ensuring that their means of escape are unobstructed and that common areas in their premises are kept clutter free.”
Residents were also encouraged to contact the town council to organize the disposal of large items.
“SCDF will be following up with enforcement action against the responsible person or entity,” SCDF added.
Under the Fire Safety Act, individuals or entities found responsible for fire safety infringements may receive a Fire Hazard Abatement Notice as a warning to rectify the hazards.
For more serious violations, a Notice of Offence may be issued, carrying a fine of up to S$5,000 upon compliance. Failure to address the breach could result in court proceedings, where penalties of up to S$10,000 in fines, six months of imprisonment, or a combination of both may be imposed.
Images via reddit
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