Fire-Proofing Your Future: The SCDF's Guide to Battling Blazes from EVs and Cooking
In a bustling city like Singapore, fire safety is a critical part of our daily lives. While the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is always on the front lines, a proactive approach from the public is our best defense. Let's explore two common yet distinct fire hazards—Electric Vehicles (EVs) and unattended cooking—and learn how the SCDF's recommendations can keep us all safe.
The New Age Hazard: Electric Vehicle Fires
As Singapore embraces a greener future with more EVs on the road, a new type of fire hazard emerges. The unique composition of lithium-ion batteries in EVs presents a different challenge compared to traditional petrol vehicles. When these batteries are damaged or faulty, they can experience a "thermal runaway," an unstoppable chain reaction that generates immense heat and can be difficult to extinguish.
SCDF's Proactive EV Fire Measures:
The SCDF has adapted its strategies to this modern challenge, focusing on specialized training, equipment, and public awareness.
Specialised Response: SCDF firefighters are specifically trained to handle EV fires, which require a different approach than conventional car fires. Their primary goal is to cool the battery pack using large volumes of water to prevent the thermal runaway from spreading and to contain the blaze.
Do Not Extinguish: The SCDF's most important advice for the public is do not attempt to extinguish an EV battery fire yourself. This is due to the intense heat, the risk of toxic fumes, and the high chance of re-ignition. Instead, if you see smoke or fire from an EV, the SCDF advises: Pull over safely to the side of the road. Evacuate immediately, and keep a safe distance of at least 15 meters from the vehicle. Call 995 for assistance, providing details like the make, model, and vehicle registration number.
This hands-off approach for the public ensures that trained professionals with the right equipment can handle the complex situation safely and effectively.
The Enduring Threat: Unattended Cooking Fires
Despite the rise of new technologies, the most common cause of residential fires in Singapore remains a classic: unattended cooking. A moment's distraction, a quick errand, or a phone call can turn a peaceful kitchen into a fiery disaster.
SCDF's Simple, Life-Saving Recommendations for the Kitchen:
The SCDF emphasizes that the best way to fight these fires is to prevent them from happening in the first place.
The Golden Rule: Never Leave Cooking Unattended. This is the single most important piece of advice. If you must leave the kitchen, even for a moment, turn off the stove or appliance.
Keep a Clear Zone: Maintain a safe distance between your cooking area and flammable materials like paper towels, dishcloths, oven mitts, and curtains.
Know How to Respond to Oil Fires: In the event of a fire in a pot of oil, never use water. Water will cause the burning oil to splatter and spread the fire. The SCDF recommends: Turn off the gas supply immediately. Cover the pot with a lid or a fire blanket to smother the flames.
Equip Your Home: While not mandatory, the SCDF strongly advises every household to have a dry powder fire extinguisher and a fire blanket readily available in the kitchen. Learning how to use them can make all the difference in a minor incident.
By staying vigilant in our kitchens and being aware of the specific dangers of new technologies like EVs, we can empower ourselves to be a key part of Singapore's fire safety network. The SCDF's recommendations are not just rules—they are life-saving habits.
