Should HDB coffeeshop fire safety measures be tightened? Measures are adequate, says K Shanmugam
In March 2026, a ground-floor kitchen fire caused extensive disruption and safety hazards for the entire HDB block above.
By Home & Decor Team -
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There was recently a HDB coffeeshop fire hazard conversation that went on in the parliament. What happened, and who said what? Let us explain it in the simplest terms here.
- Questioner: Ms. Denise Phua Lay Peng (Member of Parliament for Jalan Besar GRC).
- Respondent: Mr. K Shanmugam (Senior Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security, and Minister for Home Affairs).
- Date: 4 August 2026
The fire that started the conversation
The conversation was started by Ms. Denise Phua, who raised concerns following a fire at Block 269B Queen Street on 19 March 2026. Back then, a serious coffee shop fire resulted in a long 20-hour power outage for the entire block. The town council had to do emergency repair works overnight to restore power.
The fire started in the kitchen, caused by an exhaust duct issue.
Because a ground-floor kitchen fire caused extensive disruption and safety hazards for the entire HDB block above it, Ms. Phua pushed for official clarification on whether HDB coffee shops need stricter audit regimes.
So, Ms Denise asked for more safety checks
She asked the Ministry if additional preventive measures and fire-safety audits could be carried out at coffee shops located under HDB blocks to catch fire hazards early and prevent similar fires from happening again.
Mr. K Shanmugam replied, stating current measures are sufficient - the existing Fire Code regulations and multi-agency checks are already adequate. According to him, such fire incidents are low and steady. Between 2021 and 2025, fires at HDB coffee shops remained consistent at 15 to 19 cases per year, representing less than 1% of all fire incidents annually in Singapore.
Continuous monitoring is the way to go - SCDF, HDB, and NEA will keep monitoring trends and step in with tighter interventions if necessary. But of course, the hawkers have to play their part by upholding daily fire safety practices.
Work being carried out at Block 269B Queen Street on March 20, after a blackout hit the block.
Coffeeshops have to follow the ‘Singapore Fire Code’
HDB commercial coffee shops have to follow rules set out in the Singapore Fire Code. The standards in there are regulated and audited through annual fire safety checks by the HDB and regular unannounced inspections by the SCDF. Some rules include:
| Singapore Fire Code Rules | Details |
|---|---|
| Degreasing | Interior and exterior of the exhaust duct and hood must be degreased and cleaned at least once every 12 months. |
| Maintenance Records | Certified specialist maintenance records must be kept on-site. |
| 3-Meter Setback | Kitchen exhaust duct must have a 3m setback from LPG cylinders & never run above LPG storage. |
| Maximum LPG Cylinders | Each stall can only have max 2 x 15kg LPG cylinders. |
| Total LPG | Total LPG capacity max 200kg. |
| LPG Storage Cabinet | Cylinders must be in a 2.5mm thick steel cabinet, flat on firm floor, with bottom ventilation openings, clear of combustible materials. |
| No Manifold System | Each cylinder must connect directly to the stove via its own flexible hose; linking cylinders together using a manifold system is illegal. |
| Fire-Resistant Walls | Walls to have a 2-hour fire-resistance rating |
| Separation Between Stalls | Stalls must be separated by 1-hour fire-resistant walls |
| Extinguishers | Stalls with open flames must have smoke ventilation openings, and fire-extinguishing systems. |
Stall owners who do not meet these rules will be penalised under the ‘Singapore Fire Safety Act’. Violations range from minor hazard (up to $10k fine, 6 months jail), general breach ($10k fine, 6 months jail), to major offence ($200k fine, 2 year jail).
Fire Regulations for HDB Coffee Shops
In Singapore, coffee shops situated on the ground floor of residential HDB blocks are governed by a 3-prongedsafety framework involving 3 multiple government agencies.
Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
SCDF enforces the SCDF Fire Code, which mandates F&B layout rules, fire extinguisher placement, clear escape passages, fire-rated doors/walls, and kitchen exhaust duct design. SCDF conducts both scheduled audits and unannounced inspections (often triggered by public feedback).
Housing & Development Board (HDB)
HDB onducts annual fire safety checks at leased coffee shop premises and incorporates fire safety compliance directly into HDB tenancy and licensing conditions.
National Environment Agency (NEA)
Regulates general stall hygiene and kitchen operations, which indirectly enforces proper grease management—a major factor in kitchen duct fires.