Debated in Parliament on 4 Oct 2021.
Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for National Development as Singapore experiences rising temperatures and a hotter climate, what are the steps taken to prevent fires in our nature reserves and parks.
NParks has put in place fire safety measures to minimise the occurrence of vegetation fires in our nature reserves and parks, particularly during dry periods. For example, NParks trims vegetation, clears wood debris, and maintains fire breaks in nature reserves. It also conducts patrols at fire-prone hotspots and steps up enforcement against smoking and unauthorised burning during dry spells. NParks also works closely with the SCDF and other land management agencies to regularly review its fire safety measures.
NParks is also developing a Forest Fire Detection and Monitoring System for nature reserves, which will make use of closed-circuit television cameras, drones, and video analytics. The system will allow NParks officers to quickly identify a fire’s location and obtain real-time information on the fire. This system will improve the effectiveness of NParks’ fire surveillance regime, and allow NParks and SCDF to mount a more rapid response in the event of a fire.
In addition, NParks has put up signs to educate the public on ways to prevent vegetation fires, such as by not smoking in nature reserves and not leaving fires unattended at camping and barbecue sites.
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