Toy boxes stacked so high that they block water sprinklers; mops and pails piled on top of a fire hose reel; a carpark space being converted into a workers' resting place - these were but some of the fire hazards uncovered during an enforcement blitz the Singapore Civil Defence Force carried out in the Harbourfront area on Friday night.
A total of 11 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices (FHANs) and four Notices of Fire Safety Offence (NFSOs) were handed out to five establishments, including VivoCity and the clubs at St James Power Station, for violating fire safety regulations.
Some of these violations include obstructing emergency exits, and having expired fire extinguishers.
"During the year-end festive season, public buildings such as shopping complexes and public entertainment outlets may see an increase in patronage. We want to see that fire safety standards are maintained nonetheless," said commander of Marina Bay Fire Station Major Dennis Quah, one of about 20 officers who took part in the blitz.
From January to November this year, 91 FHANs, 25 NFSOs and seven Notices of Composition were handed out for fire-related offences following over 600 enforcement checks on shopping malls, hotels and public entertainment outlets around the island.