Debated in Parliament on 3 Mar 2026.
Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry will expand the myResponder app's scope beyond minor fires to include alerts for all HDB residential fires; and (b) whether a dedicated "First Responder (Evacuation)" tier will be introduced to specifically alert and mobilise responders to assist elderly and mobility-impaired neighbours in evacuating buildings during high-intensity incidents, such as personal mobility aids and lithium-ion battery fires.
The myResponder app activates registered members of the public, known as Community First Responders (CFRs), to respond to minor fires, such as rubbish chute fires. In the case of more serious fires, such as fires in the Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats, it is safer for these to be dealt with by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). CFRs might not have the appropriate training to deal with such fires safely. Hence, there are no plans to alert and activate CFRs through the myResponder app to put out such fires nor to assist in evacuation.
When there is a fire in a HDB flat, if it is necessary to evacuate the residents, SCDF usually prioritises the residents on the floor affected by the fire and those residing two floors above that, rather than the whole building. Residents on the other floors should remain in their home for their own safety.
Elderly and mobility-impaired residents who cannot evacuate independently should also stay in their home in a safe room, close the door, inform the authorities about their location and await assistance for evacuation if necessary.
However, there may be situations where such residents must be evacuated before SCDF's arrival. To this end, SCDF has been helping grassroots organisations, like the People Association’s Community Emergency and Engagement Committees, to plan and conduct evacuation drills and exercises.
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