Sunday, 30 March 2008
Fire-Safety tips for “Qing Ming” Festival

With the “Qing Ming” festival coming around soon, religious activities like the burning of incense paper and lighting candles/joss sticks are expected to increase. The SCDF would like to remind members of the public to exercise greater caution when making religious offerings.

Here are some simple tips to help minimise fire occurrences during this period:

a) Avoid burning incense paper in the open so as to minimise any fire hazards arising from flying ashes.

b) In public housing estates, always burn incense paper in the incense burners or metal containers provided by the Town Councils. As for private home owners, the use of incense paper burners will be a demonstration of fire safety consciousness and good neighbourliness.

c) The burners or containers should be placed on sturdy ground and at a safe distance away from locations such as the switch room or other residential premises.

d) After the prayers and offering session, check the area for smouldering incense or embers and make sure that all traces of fires are completely put out before leaving.

e) Avoid throwing lighted materials such as candles and matches onto grass patches and fields as these may inadvertently start a fire.

Fire safety is our collective responsibility and together we can help to reduce fire occurrences in Singapore.