On Wednesday (3 April), Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu warned of an increased risk of wildfires caused by the El Niño effect.
This is because the climate phenomenon can bring about hotter weather and drier conditions.
As such, she urged Singaporeans to adhere to good fire safety practices during the Qing Ming Festival period.
In a Facebook post on 3 April, Ms Fu warned that Singapore is expecting hotter weather and potentially drier conditions.
This is due to the El Niño effect, leading to an increased risk of wildfires as well.
Ms Fu also noted that since the start of Qing Ming, there have been several fires at Choa Chu Kang Cemetery.
Source: Grace Fu on Facebook
They likely occurred as a result of the improper burning of joss and incense papers.
In the attached images, Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers can be seen putting out the fires.
“These fires not only endanger others, but also harm the environment and damage the facility,” Ms Fu wrote.
Ms Fu thus urged citizens to be mindful and respectful of others by following good fire safety practices during the Qing Ming period.
The practices include:
“By acting responsibly, we can ensure a safe and meaningful Qing Ming for everyone,” she said.
In a news release on Monday (1 April), the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) warned that temperatures are expected to remain high in the first half of April.
Even with more showers, the daily maximum temperatures may still range between 34°C and 35°C on most days.
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Featured image adapted from Grace Fu on Facebook.