Fire safety • Residents play a key role in preventing household fires

We refer to Mr Gabriel Chia's letter, "Consider centralised fire detection systems in housing estates" (July 24).

- Ryan Ong Assistant Commissioner Director, Fire Safety Department Singapore Civil Defence Force

There are fire safety requirements in place for residential premises, including HDB flats. These include features such as fire compartmentation, where each flat is built to prevent fire spread by containing a fire within the unit; naturally ventilated corridors that help disperse smoke; and exit staircases for safe evacuation.

There are also requirements for firefighting provisions such as fire lifts and rising mains, to facilitate swifter firefighting operations by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).