2025 saw an alarming number of HDB homes catching fire. And while it’s rare for your own home to catch fire, it can happen. It’s not just your own flat you need to worry about. There’s also the collateral damage from being near a neighbouring unit that has caught fire.
What is the most common cause of home fires in HDB flats?
Image credit: GF Pat
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, there were 1,051 residential building fires in 2025, showing a subtle trend of this number increasing year on year. In addition, it has been reported that the top 3 causes of home fires are:
Unattended cooking
Whether it’s cooking with hot oil, leaving hot pans on the stove unattended, or placing flammable items close to an open flame, there are many ways a kitchen fire starts. Essentially, paying close attention to an open flame in the kitchen is crucial to making sure things stay within your control.
Electrical faults
Image credit: @ellery_domo_arigato on Instagram
Electrical fires in HDB flats often happen when the electrical system gets overloaded. Old or damaged wiring can start to break down over time, and loose connections can create heat or sparks that no one sees. If you plug too many devices into one socket or use extension cords everywhere, the wires can overheat, especially in rooms full of gadgets.
Unattended candles
Our parents and grandparents have nagged us senselessly about the danger of unattended lit candles, and for good reason too! Unattended candles or open flames can quickly spark a fire in your HDB flat. If a candle gets knocked over or melts too much, the hot wax or flame can land on nearby things like curtains, paper, or furniture, setting them alight.
Personal Mobility Devices battery issues
Image credit: SCDF on Facebook
In 2025, around 8 fires in HDB flats were linked to charging Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs), making up about 2% of residential fires. Most of these incidents happened while the devices were being charged, and issues like faulty batteries or using the wrong chargers were common culprits.
What to do if you notice a fire in your home?
It might seem self-explanatory, but only those who have actually experienced a fire can speak of the sheer panic that can set in that makes you lose your cool. Here are some easy steps to commit to memory that could save your life or the life of your neighbour.
- If the fire is in your home, use a fire extinguisher if you can reach one, or close the door to the burning room to slow the spread
- Alert everyone and evacuate quickly. Do not use lifts in case the fire spreads.
- Call SCDF immediately on 995, provide your unit number, block, and the location of the fire
- Notify your neighbours, and have them evacuate the building as well
What to do if your neighbour’s flat is on fire?
Image credit: SDP Sembawang GRC on Facebook
If you see smoke or flames from your neighbour’s unit, shout “fire” to warn others right away and call the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) at 995 with the exact block and unit number so help gets dispatched quickly.
Usher everyone to a safe place on the ground floor, and let SCDF take care of the fire. For condos or buildings with over 40 levels, look for refuge levels that are situated every 20 floors or so.
How does a fire affect your block & your home?
If your downstairs neighbour’s unit catches fire, your flat could still face smoke, heat, and water damage. Even if the fire doesn’t spread to your unit, smoke and soot can seep through vents, cracks, or shared walls, leaving stains on walls, ceilings, and furniture.
You’ll also have lingering smells that require a professional clean. The heat from the fire can warp or discolour your finishes and fittings, and once the fire is put out, water damage can occur from the extinguishing efforts, affecting floors, ceilings, and electrical fixtures.
These issues might not be obvious right away, but they can lead to expensive repairs and deep cleaning, so having the right insurance is key.
What can I do to safeguard myself from a home fire?
Image credit: FireguardSG
Beyond fire-rated doors, it’s never a bad thing to be well-prepared. That comes in the form of installing smoke protectors, stocking up on fire extinguishers and fire blankets. Read our full guide on how to fireproof your home.
Does fire affect the value of the property?
Image credit: Tom Goh
Yes, a fire can impact the value of a property. HDB’s mandatory fire insurance only covers structural repairs like walls, wiring, and pipes, but personal belongings, furniture, and renovations aren’t covered.
For the unit that was affected, some buyers might view it as “unlucky” or worry about lingering issues, which could lower its value compared to similar unaffected units. However, for neighbouring units or the block as a whole, the impact is typically temporary and minimal, with location and other market factors playing a much stronger role in determining value.
What happens when a fire happens in your block
Fires are a serious risk, but knowing what to do before, during, and after can really help protect your family and your home. Staying on top of fire safety tips and taking simple steps to prevent fires in your home will not only keep you safe but also help protect your neighbours and community.
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Cover image adapted from: SGRV Front Man, Singapura Channel
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