Forum: Time for thorough review of fire safety in buildings like older shophouses

The recent fire in River Valley Road, which claimed a young life and left 21 others, including children, injured, has raised critical questions about fire safety, particularly in older structures like shophouses (

10-year-old girl dies after fire breaks out at River Valley Road shophouse,

April 8). 

Like many, I am shocked at this incident. One would assume that, in a developed nation, established building and fire safety protocols would have proactively addressed and mitigated such risks, particularly with regard to the number of exits required for different types of buildings and occupancies.

The tragedy underscores the potential dangers inherent in properties that may have limited exit routes.  Shophouses like the one that caught fire, as they are often configured, often have only one exit route and can pose significant fire hazards.

It also highlights the urgent need for relevant authorities like the Singapore Civil Defence Force to re-examine the adequacy and enforcement of fire codes and building regulations, especially with regard to the types of spaces that are permitted to host businesses with higher human traffic, such as child-centric businesses and fitness gyms. I’ve noticed that many childcare centres, enrichment classes and gyms are housed in shophouses.

The authorities should conduct a thorough review of existing fire safety regulations and their implementation pertaining to shophouses and similar buildings. 

They must also ascertain whether current fire safety standards adequately address the unique structural characteristics of older shophouses – many of which may have been adapted over time.

Are there sufficient requirements regarding secondary escape routes and fire-resistant materials, and regular safety inspections of these types of buildings?

This review should also consider mandating upgrades to enhance fire safety, such as installing fire suppression systems or creating additional escape routes where feasible. Stricter enforcement of existing regulations and more frequent inspections are also crucial to ensure compliance.

The River Valley Road fire is a stark reminder that we cannot be complacent about fire safety. The loss of a life and the suffering of the injured demand a robust and immediate response.

The authorities, building owners and occupiers must work together to ensure that such an incident is not repeated, and that all our living and working spaces are as safe as they can be.

Sarah Lee-Wong Mayfern