Written Reply by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing on Completion and Findings of Investigations of Fires at BMTC and Mitigating Steps

Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) whether investigations into the causes of two fires at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) on Pulau Tekong within three weeks on 20 June 2025 and 11 July 2025 have been completed; and (b) if so, what are the findings and steps that the Ministry and SAF will be taking to improve fire safety at BMTC.

 Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing:

Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) buildings, like all others in the Singapore Armed Forces, comply with national fire safety standards and codes, and are routinely audited and inspected by certified fire safety inspectors. BMTC staff also hold regular fire drills to keep themselves prepared, and all recruits undergo a fire drill within 48 hours of enlistment. BMTC works closely with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to regularly review fire safety and emergency response protocols so that its emergency readiness remains high.

The two fires at BMTC on 20 June 2025 and 11 July 2025 occurred in unoccupied accommodation blocks. No personnel was injured. The SCDF has completed its investigations into the two fires. It concluded that the ignition source in both instances was consistent with a naked flame applied to combustible materials, and was unlikely to be due to an electrical source.

Following the two fires, BMTC has increased patrols around unoccupied buildings. It also plans to install closed-circuit television cameras at such buildings for added security.