SFPE announces April 2026 Singapore fire safety conference programme

by EventsFeatured NewsFire Engineering

SFPE Conference dates and location confirmed

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) has announced that its 2026 SFPE Fire Safety Conference on Performance-Based Design will take place in Singapore from 15-17 April 2026.

SFPE said the event was announced on Wednesday 7 January 2026 in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The conference is held every other year and the programme will run across three days.

Programme scope and presentation format

SFPE said the programme includes more than 45 presentations.

It said there will be nine case study team presentations.

SFPE said the event will also include discussion panels, networking events and live discussions.

It said topics listed for the programme include evacuation, timber structures and performance-based design frameworks and applications.

SFPE also listed sustainability design, digitalization, fire dynamics and battery fire hazards among the planned subject areas.

It said the programme includes the latest research and innovation projects related to performance-based design.

SFPE chief executive on conference aims

Chris Jelenewicz, PE, FSFPE, Chief Executive Officer, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, stated: “We are thrilled to bring the 16th SFPE Fire Safety Conference on Performance-Based Design to Singapore in April 2026 — a truly global forum where fire protection engineers, regulators, educators, researchers, and industry partners come together to explore the cutting edge of performance-based fire safety engineering,”

“This biennial conference is known around the world as the premier event for those advancing robust, innovative fire and life safety solutions.

“With three days of technical presentations, real-world case studies, dynamic discussion, and unparalleled networking opportunities, attendees will gain deep insight into current and future trends in performance-based regulatory systems, modelling and risk analysis, and collaborative design approaches that help shape safer built environments for communities everywhere.”

Co-chairs outline performance-based design priorities

Conference Co-Chairs Joseph Vaughn, PE, SET, Jensen Hughes, Macao SAR, and David Stacy, PE, Summit Fire Consulting, United States, said: “As performance-based design continues to mature globally, it is essential that we strengthen the technical foundations that support engineering judgment, promote consistency in regulatory application, and improve the reliability of analytical tools.

“This year’s program features real-world case studies and emerging research to advance performance-based design worldwide.

“Our goal is to equip practitioners with the technical depth and shared understanding needed to deliver robust, defensible, and innovative fire safety solutions.

“SFPE invites professionals across the globe to join us in shaping the future of our industry.”

Pre-conference seminar and course focus

SFPE said one conference seminar is planned ahead of the main event and is available at a discounted rate when bundled with conference registration.

It said the seminar is titled Substantiating the Suitability of a Fire Model.

SFPE said the course will take place on 13-14 April 2026.

It said the instructor is Bryan Klein.

SFPE said the one-and-a-half-day course will cover defining the problem, model selection, verification and validation and uncertainty analysis.

It said the course is listed as 10 PDHs.

Expo and registration details

SFPE said the conference will include an expo with companies showcasing products and offerings.

It directed readers to its website for the full conference schedule, sponsorship opportunities and registration.

SGS approved by Singapore Civil Defence Force to certify fire safety products

by Featured NewsSafety

SCDF accreditation enables SGS to issue certificates for fire safety products in Singapore

SGS has been accredited by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) as a Certification Body authorised to issue Certificates of Conformity (CoC) for fire safety products exported to Singapore.

According to SGS, the approval allows companies targeting Singapore to benefit from reduced certification times and more direct market access, particularly for products requiring SCDF approval.

SCDF is the authority responsible for enforcing fire safety design and compliance in Singapore under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Certification targets stricter fire safety requirements in Singapore

Singapore maintains strict fire safety regulations, particularly for fire-resistant materials and protection components used in construction.

SGS stated that the SCDF accreditation allows it to support businesses in aligning with Singapore’s regulatory framework while also meeting requirements in neighbouring markets.

SGS noted that its certification capabilities may support companies expanding into Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

Fire safety compliance in renewable energy and digital sectors

SGS reported that demand for fire safety certification has increased in the renewable energy and energy storage sectors due to Singapore’s national target of achieving Net Zero by 2050.

The company added that as Southeast Asia sees increased investment in digital infrastructure and clean energy, fire safety compliance is becoming a greater requirement for companies working in those areas.

SGS stated that its certification model can support faster market access for these sectors.

Integrated testing and certification process aims to reduce timelines

SGS said that its model combines local testing in China with certification issued in Singapore.

This approach is designed to reduce certification times and costs for manufacturers, particularly in sectors like energy storage.

The company added that this system helps manufacturers meet SCDF compliance while improving efficiency across product development and production processes.

SGS approved by Singapore Civil Defence Force to certify fire safety products: Summary

SGS has received accreditation from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) as a Certification Body.

This enables SGS to issue SCDF-approved Certificates of Conformity (CoC) for fire safety products exported to Singapore.

The SCDF, operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, oversees fire safety design and compliance.

The approval allows companies to access Singapore’s market more efficiently and may support market expansion into Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

SGS stated that the demand for fire safety compliance is growing in sectors such as renewable energy and energy storage due to environmental policy targets and infrastructure investments.

The company offers an integrated certification model using testing facilities in China and certification issuance in Singapore.

This approach aims to reduce approval timelines and support clients with regulatory compliance.

SGS also holds accreditations from other international authorities including HOKLAS in Hong Kong, as well as bodies in North America and the European Union.

SCDF releases 2024 emergency response and fire safety statistics

by Featured NewsResearch

Emergency medical services demand remains high

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported 245,279 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls in 2024, representing a 0.6% decrease from the previous year.

Despite this slight decline, the average daily EMS call volume remained high at 672 calls per day—28% above the pre-pandemic level of 525 calls per day in 2019.

Emergency calls made up 93.3% of total EMS responses, with 79.5% of cases related to medical emergencies such as chest pain and cardiac arrest.

Trauma cases accounted for 16.3%, while road traffic accidents represented 4.2%.

False alarm EMS calls fell by 9.1% to 5,713 cases, following SCDF’s public education initiatives aimed at reducing unnecessary emergency calls.

Fire incidents rise across non-residential and open spaces

SCDF responded to 1,990 fire incidents in 2024, a 1.8% increase from the 1,954 cases recorded in 2023.

Fires in residential premises remained stable, decreasing slightly by 0.2% to 968 cases.

The leading causes were unattended cooking and electrical faults.

However, fires involving Active Mobility Devices (AMDs) increased by 21.8% to 67 cases, with incidents in residential premises rising from 35 to 44.

Non-residential fires increased by 2.7% to 415 cases, while fires in non-building premises—such as vehicle fires and vegetation fires—rose by 4.7% to 607 cases.

Vegetation fires recorded the highest increase, rising by 35.3% to 180 cases.

Fire safety enforcement checks increase

SCDF conducted 15,075 fire safety enforcement checks in 2024, reflecting a slight increase of 0.2%.

The number of Fire Hazard Abatement Notices (FHANs) issued decreased by 5.7% to 2,579, with the most common violation related to non-maintenance of firefighting equipment.

Notices of Offence (NOO) dropped by 27.6% to 1,061, with unauthorised change of use of premises being the most common offence.

Court actions related to fire safety violations declined by 25.7% to 107 cases.

SCDF stated that it will continue enforcement efforts and public engagement to maintain fire safety compliance.

Community first responder participation increases

SCDF reported a rise in community emergency response through the myResponder app.

The response rate for cardiac arrest and minor fire incidents increased by 6.5% to 50.3% in 2024.

There were 40,245 new sign-ups for the app, marking a 14.1% increase from 2023.

Since its launch in 2015, the platform has registered more than 203,000 community responders.

SCDF stated that public participation has contributed to life-saving efforts, with 94 cardiac arrest victims receiving timely assistance from responders alerted through the app.

SCDF releases 2024 emergency response and fire safety statistics: Summary

SCDF reported 245,279 EMS calls in 2024, a 0.6% decrease from 2023, but still significantly above pre-pandemic levels.

Emergency calls accounted for 93.3% of EMS incidents, with nearly half involving seniors aged 65 and above.

Fire incidents increased by 1.8% to 1,990 cases.

While residential fires remained stable, non-residential and non-building fires rose by 2.7% and 4.7%, respectively.

Fires involving Active Mobility Devices increased by 21.8% to 67 cases.

Fire safety enforcement checks increased slightly to 15,075.

Notices for fire hazards and offences decreased, while court actions dropped by 25.7%.

The community first responder programme recorded a 6.5% rise in participation, with 40,245 new sign-ups for the myResponder app.

Since its launch, the platform has registered over 203,000 responders.

Singapore Civil Defence Force to upgrade firefighter safety equipment

by Breathing ApparatusFeatured News

Singapore Civil Defence enhances monitoring with new air tank technology

In a move towards enhancing firefighter safety, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is set to introduce a remote air tank monitoring system in 2024.

This system will enable the SCDF to track the air supply of firefighters in real-time, providing a significant upgrade to current safety measures.

The announcement was made by Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam in response to parliamentary inquiries.

Body-worn cameras for SCDF section commanders

By March 2024, section commanders in the SCDF will receive body-worn cameras. This distribution is aimed at improving the thoroughness of post-incident analyses.

These advancements come as part of a review of SCDF’s operational procedures, equipment, and training, spurred by a tragic incident involving a young firefighter.

Advancements in firefighter safety equipment

Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam revealed plans for the SCDF’s future safety measures, which include the integration of a distress signal device in the breathing apparatus of firefighters.

This device will provide critical safety alerts, allowing for timely intervention during emergencies.

IFSJ Comment

The introduction of new safety equipment by the SCDF represents a significant stride in the protection of firefighters.

The ability to monitor air tank levels remotely stands to revolutionize the safety protocols in firefighting operations, allowing for an immediate response in critical situations.

The implementation of body-worn cameras not only promises to enhance post-incident review quality but also serves as a testament to the SCDF’s commitment to continuous improvement following past events.

These technological advancements are a proactive response to the inherent risks of firefighting and showcase an investment in the well-being of the men and women who serve in this challenging profession.

Residential fire incidents in Singapore drop nearly 7 per cent

by Featured News

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has responded to 339 fire incidents in residential premises between in the first four month of 2022, a 6.9% decrease from the 364 in the same period in 2021, according a report in The Strait Times.

On Sunday, SCDF said that since last October it has embarked on a programme to increase public awareness and teach first aid skills such as administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use a fire extinguisher.

So far, about 1,200 people have participated in the programme, said SCDF.

 The SCDF said it will continue to educate the public about fire prevention measures. Its current effort includes after a fire takes place conducting a post-fire public education campaign, going door to door to share fire safety educational materials with residents.

Mr John Wu, Vice-Chairman of the National Fire and Emergency Preparedness Council (NFEC), said: “The NFEC is deeply concerned about the recent spate of residential fires. Fire safety is everyone’s collective responsibility. Everyone can play a part in contributing towards a fire-safe environment.

“The NFEC’s housing premises committee will continue to work closely with SCDF and town councils to raise awareness among more members of the public on fire safety at home.”