In a shocking revelation, the number of fire incidents occurring in indoor and multi-storey carparks in Singapore has more than doubled over the past five years, but intriguingly, none of these incidents involved electric vehicles (EVs).

During a recent parliamentary session, Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development, Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, addressed a question posed by Mr. Melvin Yong, MP for Radin Mas. The statistics laid out were striking: fire incidents recorded were 14 in 2020, dropping slightly to 12 in 2021, before climbing to 18 in 2022, 27 in 2023, and reaching a concerning 36 in 2024.

The minister pointed to the main culprits behind these fires, which predominantly stem from mechanical issues like overheating engine compartments, electrical failures in carpark infrastructure, and the reckless disposal of ignited materials. Prof. Faishal emphasized that the spike in 2024 is particularly tied to an uptick in vehicular fires, raising alarms about safety standards.

Just this January, a fire incident at a multi-storey carpark in Ang Mo Kio damaged multiple vehicles, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures.

In light of these incidents, Prof. Faishal reassured the public that safety guidelines are firmly in place. Carparks are designed with essential fire safety features, including fire-resistant walls and doors to contain potential blazes. Adequate ventilation—either naturally or mechanically—is mandated to dissipate smoke or heat. Enclosed basement carparks must also be equipped with sprinkler systems that are maintained and inspected regularly.

Amid the rising adoption of electric vehicles, Mr. Yong raised concerns regarding the potential for EV-related fires. It is important to note that fires involving EVs can be considerably more challenging to extinguish than those linked to traditional combustion engines. Prof. Faishal confirmed that while guidelines for the installation of EV chargers exist, they are not confined to any particular floor but must adhere to strict safety distances. Notably, EV fires could take several hours, due to a phenomenon known as thermal runaway, where overheating batteries can self-generate heat and oxygen, effectively fueling the fire.

As the number of carpark fire incidents continues to climb, both public awareness and preparedness are critical. Prof. Faishal emphasized the importance of vigilance among the public and recommended that fire extinguishers available at HDB blocks be utilized cautiously. Still, he reminded everyone that in emergencies, always prioritize calling emergency services by dialing 995 immediately.

As the debate on carpark safety continues, it’s evident that with the rising number of vehicles—both traditional and electric—greater efforts must be directed toward fire prevention and response strategies to protect both lives and property. Will authorities take decisive action to curb this trend before it spirals out of control?