Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on HDB coffeeshop fires
May 9, 2016
Mr Yee Chia Hsing: To ask the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry is looking into the root cause of the recent HDB coffeeshop fires and whether warranties for floor tiles of units above the affected coffeeshops can be provided to these residents.
Answer:
There are various possible causes for these fires. These include excessive open flames from cooking stoves, poor housekeeping of stalls, or poor maintenance of the exhaust system.
SCDF investigates the cause of all reported fires and may, if necessary, introduce new guidelines to enhance fire safety at the coffee shops.
If residential units are affected by fire in the coffee shops, HDB will inspect these flats and assess what damage may have been caused.
Under HDB’s tenancy agreement or memorandum of lease with coffee shop tenants or lessees, the tenant or lessee is liable for any damage arising from acts or negligence. Should a fire break out, HDB will require the tenants or lessees of the coffee shops to follow up with the necessary repairs, including to the floor tiles of units above the affected coffee shops.