The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is a uniformed organisation under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs. We are an organization whose main role is to provide fire fighting, rescue and emergency ambulance services; as well as formulate, implement and enforce regulations on fire safety and civil defence shelter matters.

The history of the SCDF can be traced back to 1888 when Singapore formed its first Fire Brigade. Some significant events in the history of the Singapore fire rescue operations include the Bukit Ho Swee Fire in 1961 and the Robinson's Fire in 1972. In 1980, the name of the Singapore Fire Brigade was changed to the Singapore Fire Service (SFS).

In 1982, the National Civil Defence Plan was launched. Operating as a wing under the Singapore Police Force then, the SCDF was formed to lead and spearhead emergency preparedness for the nation. With the enactment of the Civil Defence Act in 1986, the SCDF was established as an independent organisation under the Ministry of Home Affairs. In the same year, the Hotel New World collapse paved the way for joint operations between the SCDF and the SFS. Due to the similarity in roles and functions, the SCDF and SFS were formally integrated on 15 April 1989.

Today, the Force is recognised by the population as a professional body of well-trained officers and men geared to respond to all types of life-threatening emergencies round-the-clock. Its emergency preparedness programme and disaster management activities are governed by three main laws: namely the Civil Defence Act of 1986, the Fire Safety Act 1993 and the Civil Defence Shelter Act of 1997.

We have achieved much since the opening of the first fire station – Central Fire Station – in 1908. You can read up on SCDF Milestones to follow the trail of our development or visit the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery.

• Corporate Philosophy

• Roles & Functions

• Emergency Systems

• Organisation Structure

• CD Heritage Gallery

• CD Songs
  
  

• Milestones

• CD Snapshots

• Pride & Care Award