Fires reported at Bukit Brown cemetery during Qing Ming, NEA urges visitors to burn responsibly

Fires at Bukit Brown cemetery likely caused by unattended burning, says NEA

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has urged visitors to adopt responsible burning practices after a few fires broke out at Bukit Brown cemetery recently.

These fires have been reported since the start of the Qing Ming Festival, said NEA in a Facebook post on Thursday (2 April).

Bukit Brown fires pose safety risk & damage environment

NEA said the fires not only posed a safety risk to visitors but also damaged the environment.

Photos shared by the agency showed charred vegetation next to graves that were covered in ashes.

One of the images depicted a raging fire in the jungle, with leaves covered in flames.

The fires were likely caused by the unattended burning of joss sticks or joss paper, NEA noted.

The spread of the fire was then possibly exacerbated by dry vegetation, hot weather, and strong winds.

Visitors advised to burn joss paper responsibly

Thus, NEA advised visitors to adopt responsible burning practices when offering prayers, including:

• Not leaving joss papers unattended
• Not littering and scattering joss papers
• Not burning joss paper on the ground and in large quantities

Additionally, food offerings should not be left on the ground after prayers, as it attracts pests, NEA said.

SCDF dispenses fire safety tips for Qing Ming

In a separate advisory on Monday (30 March), the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) noted that the burning of incense paper and joss sticks is expected to increase during Qing Ming.

Thus, members of the public were advised to stay safe by observing fire safety tips, including:

• Not placing joss sticks or candles on the grass or fields
• Placing burners on steady ground and at a safe distance from combustible materials and residences
• Ensuring that smouldering embers are completely extinguished before leaving

Also read: Fire Erupts At Lim Chu Kang Chinese Cemetery On 15 Oct, Blaze Involves Vegetation

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Featured image adapted from National Environment Agency on Facebook.