Between 2020 and 2024, 23 fires in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats were attributed to hoarding, according to a written parliamentary response by Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam.
The annual figures show a fluctuating trend, with zero cases recorded in 2020, three in 2021, six in 2022, nine in 2023, and five in 2024.
Although hoarding-related fires remain a small percentage of the 800 to 900 HDB fires reported each year, Shanmugam highlighted that they still pose serious safety risks, particularly when clutter obstructs emergency escape routes or contributes to the spread of fire.
To address the risks associated with hoarding, the government coordinates efforts through the Hoarding Management Core Group, led by the Municipal Services Office.
This inter-agency group assesses severe hoarding cases based on their potential impact on public health and safety. Agencies such as the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), National Environment Agency, and National Parks Board are activated to intervene when hoarding poses fire safety, public health, or animal welfare concerns.
For cases where hoarding severely obstructs emergency egress within flats, the SCDF collaborates with HDB to implement fire safety measures. These include ensuring there is an unobstructed passageway for occupants to exit the unit during emergencies. SCDF’s “fire safety levers” are used to improve internal conditions and minimise hazards posed by clutter.
In addition to regulatory enforcement, government agencies also work with community partners and social service organisations to engage hoarders and their families. These efforts aim to encourage decluttering and address underlying issues contributing to hoarding behaviour.
The government has recently stepped up its approach through a new initiative called the New Environment Action Team (NEAT).
Launched by the Ministry of National Development, the Ministry of Social and Family Development, and other key partners, NEAT seeks to enhance the early identification of hoarding cases and provide more comprehensive support.
Government bodies, social service agencies, community groups, and private organisations are part of this collaborative effort, with both HDB and SCDF playing active roles.
NEAT aims to strike a balance between improving safety and providing long-term support for hoarders and their neighbours. While enforcement measures are necessary to mitigate immediate risks, Shanmugam acknowledged that resolving hoarding cases often requires sustained engagement and collaboration with social workers and community volunteers.