SINGAPORE – Singaporeans can play a part in preventing vegetation fires by refraining from smoking or littering in green spaces such as grass patches and fields, said the National Parks Board (NParks) on Tuesday.

Visitors to vegetated spaces should also refrain from using open-flame devices outside designated areas such as barbecue pits and campfire sites. Flammable items should be disposed of responsibly.

These reminders came in the wake of two vegetation fires that broke out within a span of two days in Pasir Ris and Tampines.

Mr Chia Seng Jiang, group director of the Parks East division at NParks, told The Straits Times: “During periods with extreme hot and dry weather, there is a risk of vegetation fire.

“We seek the public’s cooperation to keep our nature reserves, gardens and parks safe for all.”

A fire broke out at an eco-friendly park in Tampines on Monday afternoon. When contacted, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said it was alerted to the fire at Tampines Eco Green at 4.35pm. 

The fire, which involved a vegetated area measuring about 30m by 20m, was extinguished in about an hour. There were no reported injuries. 

SCDF and NParks are working closely to investigate the cause of the fire. 

The trails in the park have been checked for potential safety hazards and the park remains safe for public use, said Mr Chia. 

“As a safety precaution, NParks will remove any affected vegetation which may pose safety issues from the area, cut back vegetation from trails to create more buffer space, and step up site checks, especially during dry spells,” he added. “Visitors to the park are reminded to stay on designated trails for their safety.”

In a separate incident, SCDF was alerted to a vegetation fire along Pasir Ris Industrial Drive 1 at 2.15pm on Sunday.

Three water jets were used to extinguish the fire, and no one was injured.

The fire is being investigated.