Sixty-two per cent of the total fire outbreaks last year were caused by smoldering cigarette butts, lit matches and charcol embers.

Blazes in rubbish chutes are mostly confined, but if there are flammable materials around, these fires create a lot of smoke, affecting the health of young children, seniors and those with respiratory problems.

Discarded items along corridors also pose a serious fire hazard; they can catch fire or hinder a smooth evacuation in the event of a fire.

This 'unnecessary strain on emergency resources' is now the focus of a beefed-up Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) public education campaign. Joining up with town councils, the SCDF wants to spread the word about fire prevention.

Banners identifying potential fire hazards will be displayed at various housing estates from next month.

The 320 banners feature information on the three main causes of fires in the home - rubbish chute fires, unattended cooking and fires caused by rubbish in corridors, staircases, lift lobbies and void decks.

Read the full report in Thursday's edition of The Straits Times.