05/12/2025
Singapore uses a multi-layered strategy for fire safety in HDB (Housing & Development Board) estates, combining structural design, active firefighting systems, and strict regulations.
The core philosophy is "Compartmentalization"—keeping the fire trapped in one unit to prevent it from spreading.
𝟏. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 (𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧)
The building itself is designed to contain fire and smoke naturally.
(𝐚) 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
Each HDB unit is built as a sealed "fire compartment." The concrete walls and floors are designed to withstand fire for at least 1 to 2 hours. This usually keeps a fire contained within a single flat, preventing it from spreading to neighbors.
(𝐛) 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞-𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐬:
Entrance doors opening to corridors must be fire-rated (30–60 min) and often self-closing. SCDF-approved doors are required for replacements. This door acts as a barrier to stop fire from exiting the unit.
(𝐜) 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧:
Most HDB blocks feature long, open common corridors. This "naturally ventilated" design is intentional—it allows smoke to disperse quickly into the open air rather than getting trapped in an enclosed hallway, which is the biggest killer in building fires.
(𝐝) 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐠𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐬 (𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲):
For standard HDBs (
