2 HDB fires involved severe hoarding between 2020 and 2025: Shanmugam
One of the fires resulted in a fatality.
Singapore's Senior Minister K. Shanmugam revealed that two Housing Board (HDB) fires occurring between 2020 and 2025 involved severe hoarding. One fire resulted in a fatality, while the other caused smoke inhalation and burn injuries to residents. The fatality occurred because the resident was uncooperative in decluttering their unit.
Government agencies and community support groups had previously assisted the residents in decluttering the second unit, but the hoarding behavior persisted. Shanmugam, who is also the Minister for Home Affairs, responded to a parliamentary question from Shawn Loh, asking about the number of hoarding-related HDB fires since 2020 and whether the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) could take preventive safety actions.
Hoarding-related fires have been a concern for other MPs as well. Tin Pei Ling and Liang Eng Hwa, both MPs, have observed and commented on hoarding cases during their home visits and town council checks, respectively. Shanmugam explained that agencies assess whether the threshold for public health or safety risks has been reached in hoarding cases.
For severe hoarding cases that obstruct escape routes during emergencies, SCDF may direct the occupant to clear and maintain a path of escape. Non-compliance is punishable by fines up to $10,000 or imprisonment of up to six months. Managing severe hoarding cases is complex and requires a collaborative effort, Shanmugam stated, adding that agencies use the Hoarding Management Core Group and New Environment Action Team network to address the root causes of hoarding sustainably.
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