• The original meaning of “患” means “to worry”, but it can also refer to a calamity or disaster.
• In 2019, the total number of fire incidents in Singapore increased by 7.8%, with the increase in fires caused by personal mobility devices being particularly significant.
• Under the Fire Safety Act, building owners who fail to install fire protection equipment in their buildings can be fined up to S$50,000 or be jailed for up to a year, or both.

A fire broke out last night at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital. The fire started in the HCA Hospice Care office located in the main building. Fortunately, no one was injured. (Lianhe Zaobao, 6/1/2021)

火灾 (Mainland China)

• The Bukit Ho Swee fire on 25 May 1961 was the largest ever in the history of Singapore. About 16,000 homes were destroyed.
• Another major incident occurred on the morning of 21 November 1972, when a huge fire broke out at Robinson’s Department Store in Raffles Place, due to an electrical short-circuit. The flames reportedly reached a height of 60 metres at one point and could be seen from as far as Toa Payoh and Jurong.