SINGAPORE — The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is stepping up checks for fire safety violations at commercial premises over the festive period. It said that this is to ensure a safe holiday season for patrons.

The SCDF has conducted more than 600 enforcement checks at hotels, shopping centres and public entertainment outlets in the first 11 months of this year.

In an enforcement blitz around the HarbourFront area on Dec 13, the SCDF discovered 14 fire safety violations at three premises. These included obstructed escape routes, and the illegal change of use of certain areas

For instance, parts of the VivoCity carpark had been converted into storage spaces.

At St James’ Power Station, officers discovered that a dressing room in one of its nightspots had been erected without SCDF approval.

Depending on how severe an offence is, there could be fines of up to S$200,000, a maximum jail term of two years, or both.

“During the year-end festive season, shopping centres and public entertainment outlets may see an increase in patronage so SCDF would like to take this opportunity to remind all building owners to be vigilant and to ensure that fire safety provisions are well-maintained and fire safety standards are maintained too,” said commander of Marina Bay Fire Station Major Dennis Quah.

The SCDF is urging the public who spot fire hazards to report them by calling 1800-280-0000, or emailing CDF_Fire_Safety_Feedback [at] scdf.gov.sg.

The public can also submit photos and brief descriptions of the hazards to the mySCDF smartphone application. CHANNEL NEWSASIA