Hong Kong hearings begin over deadly residential fire

by Breaking NewsIncidents

Hong Kong inquiry opens with focus on fire failures

Public hearings have begun in Hong Kong into the housing fire at Wang Fuk Court that killed 168 people, with the panel examining fire safety failures, renovation works and oversight at the Tai Po complex.

Outlets including the Guardian and AP News reported that the judge-led independent committee opened proceedings on 19 March into the 26 November 2025 fire, described as the deadliest residential building fire globally since 1980.

The inquiry is assessing whether fire safety standards were inadequate and whether renovation works contributed to the spread of the fire.

It is also examining whether any failures occurred among government officers, contractors or building management.

The committee is expected to hear from government officials, construction company directors, members of the building’s management committee and former residents.

Hong Kong investigators assess materials and site conditions

Lead counsel Victor Dawes said the most likely ignition source was a discarded cigarette that ignited combustible materials in a light well between two units.

Burned paper boxes and cigarette butts were recovered at the scene.

Dawes said there is no definitive proof that smoking caused the fire.

He added that workers had breached rules restricting smoking to designated areas.

Evidence presented to the inquiry indicates that disabled fire alarms and hose systems contributed to the scale of the incident.

The hearings are also examining the use of non-fire-retardant scaffolding materials and the installation of foam boards over windows.

At the time of the fire, seven of the complex’s eight residential towers were undergoing renovation and were covered in bamboo scaffolding, protective netting and foam boards.

The removal of staircase windows is also being reviewed after evidence suggested it allowed smoke and fire to enter escape routes.

Dawes said: “On the day of the fire, nearly all fire safety systems meant to protect lives failed because of human factors.”

Arrests, recovery and the next stage of hearings

Police have reportedly arrested 38 individuals on suspicion of manslaughter and a further six on suspicion of fraud.

Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption has also arrested 23 people, including contractors, consultants and members of the building’s owners’ corporation, in connection with the project.

Families affected by the fire have called for accountability and clearer answers on what happened.

Yip Ka-kui, who lost his wife in the fire, said he wanted “justice for the deceased and an explanation for the victims”.

“I hope the independent commission will truly investigate everyone involved, and clarify what responsibility they hold,” he said.

“They should take responsibility if they are at fault.”

Many former residents remain in temporary accommodation across Hong Kong following the destruction of the complex, which housed thousands of people.

Authorities have proposed buying back homeownership rights from affected residents, and some have said they would prefer the original site to be rebuilt.

Hong Kong leader John Lee has said plans are being developed to allow residents to return to their apartments in April to retrieve belongings.

The committee, established in December 2025, is expected to take around nine months to complete its investigation, with oral evidence set to continue from residents, officials and others linked to the site.

Hong Kong Fire Services Department sets out inspection, licensing and training changes

by Breaking NewsTraining

Hong Kong year-end review: response activity and regulatory changes

The Hong Kong Fire Services Department recorded fewer fire calls in 2025, alongside new inspection measures and regulatory initiatives affecting buildings and fire safety compliance.

Details were presented in a year-end review delivered on February 24 by Mr Andy Yeung, Director of Fire Services.

Total fire calls reached 35,972 in 2025, compared with 37,828 in 2024.

False alarms fell to 26,915 cases, down from 29,357 the previous year.

Damaging building fires reached 2,000 cases, an increase of 25 incidents compared with 2024.

Electrical faults accounted for about 42 per cent of building fires and human negligence, including careless handling of cigarette ends and candles, accounted for about 25 per cent.

Response performance remained above target, with 96.1 per cent of building fire calls attended within the graded response time, exceeding the department’s 92.5 per cent performance pledge.

A No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on November 26 resulted in 168 deaths and the loss of Senior Fireman (Posthumous) Ho Wai-ho.

Special service calls rose to 42,485 in 2025, compared with 39,320 in 2024.

More than 800 special service calls were handled during Super Typhoon Ragasa in September, including 514 incidents involving fallen trees.

Emergency response personnel also attended a serious aircraft accident at Hong Kong International Airport in October, evacuating four crew members from the cabin.

International deployments included participation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) search and rescue team following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, where personnel helped rescue a survivor trapped for more than 125 hours.

Regulatory developments included the launch of the Registered Fire Engineer Scheme in November 2025, allowing qualified professionals to carry out fire safety risk assessments within a defined scope.

Support for older buildings expanded through three Building Improvement Support Centres, which handled 23,239 cases by the end of 2025.

Approvals of fire services installation drawings increased from 1,176 buildings in 2024 to 1,507 in 2025.

A pilot scheme allowing enforcement authorities to carry out fire safety improvement works on behalf of non-compliant building owners was introduced in the third quarter of 2025, covering 10 buildings.

Testing of an Internet of Things fire detection system began in 10 buildings of six storeys or below, with completion of the pilot phase expected in early 2026.

Inspection timelines for new fire protection facilities were shortened, with average acceptance inspection durations reduced from 52 to 35 days for regular projects and 22 days for public housing projects.

Remote inspection pilots using video conferencing processed 563 licence-related cases between August and December 2025, with full implementation planned for 2026.

Yeung said: “saving those in distress and protecting the community”.

Hong Kong fire safety education: VR expansion and community training targets

Hong Kong authorities outlined plans to expand fire safety education, including increased use of virtual reality technology and wider community training programmes.

Information was provided in a Legislative Council reply on February 25 by Mr Tang Ping-keung, Secretary for Security.

Fire safety talks and advisory services increased over the past three years, reaching 147,487 in 2025, up from 141,565 in 2024 and 133,295 in 2023.

District-level fire safety work has been coordinated through the Fire Services Department Community Collaboration Network, which includes Divisional Commanders and district fire safety committee representatives.

Distribution of emergency preparedness equipment formed part of this work, with more than 3,000 sets of fire extinguishers, fire blankets and stand-alone detectors provided in 2025.

Plans for 2026 include distribution of 5,400 disaster and emergency preparedness kits equipped with smoke hoods.

Community training programmes continued to expand, with 8,420 members joining the Community Emergency Responder Scheme by the end of 2025.

Annual recruitment targets for the scheme have been increased to 10,000 participants.

Specialised Building Emergency Responder training has also been introduced for property management personnel, residents and building representatives.

Around 100 property management personnel completed training in December 2025.

A further 15,000 licensed property management personnel are scheduled to receive training in 2026 through collaboration with the Property Management Services Authority.

Use of immersive training tools remains part of the education approach, including the Emergency Preparedness Education Bus, which features a virtual reality simulation system.

Additional virtual reality elements will be incorporated into community training programmes, enabling participants to experience simulated emergency scenarios through visual and audio environments.

Two Disaster Prevention Experience Centres are planned for Wan Chai and Tseung Kwan O, featuring facilities and equipment designed to simulate fire incidents and other emergencies.

School-based programmes remain part of the education framework, with the Fire Services Department working alongside the Education Bureau to deliver training and preparedness activities.

Schools are required to conduct fire drills at least once every six months and maintain written evacuation records.

The Hong Kong updates combine operational data from 2025 with regulatory, inspection and training measures planned for implementation during 2026.

Fire safety academics appointed to support Wang Fuk Court inquiry hearings

by Featured NewsIncidentsSafety

Wang Fuk Court appointments to support the investigation

The Independent Committee investigating the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court has appointed two professors from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) to assist in examining the incident.

The Standard reported that the appointees are Chair Professor of Building Science and Fire Safety Engineering Asif Sohail Usmani and Associate Professor and Associate Head (Partnership) of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering Jiang Liming.

They will submit written reports and provide oral testimony at upcoming hearings.

Their expected areas of coverage include the cause of the fire, supervision of fire service installations, building renovation safety, inspection mechanisms, and the roles of government departments, authorised persons and contractors.

Areas of expertise and professional roles

PolyU said Usmani specialises in structural and fire safety engineering and fire dynamics.

His research focuses on enhancing the resilience of infrastructure and communities in the face of both man-made and natural disasters.

Jiang’s research centres on building fire safety and construction automation.

His work on “active opening for fire spread mitigation” earned him the Philip Thomas Medal of Excellence from the International Association for Fire Safety Science.

Jiang has served on multiple professional bodies, including three local committees under the Buildings Department, the Education Committee of the International Association for Fire Safety Science and the Fire and Life Safety Committee of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

He is also co-chair of the 12th International Conference on Structures in Fire and vice-director of the International Joint Research Laboratory on Smart Fire Safety Engineering at Tongji University.

The committee began operations last December to investigate the cause of the November blaze which claimed 168 lives, and to develop recommendations intended to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Hong Kong government proposes tougher fire safety steps for major renovations

by ConstructionFeatured NewsSafety

Hong Kong proposals after apartment complex fire

Hong Kong officials have proposed expanding oversight of building maintenance projects and introducing stronger fire safety steps following a November blaze that killed at least 161 people and displaced thousands, according to an AP News report.

Changes proposed for building maintenance and fire safety

The blaze spread across seven towers in an apartment complex, raising questions about corruption, negligence and government oversight in building maintenance projects.

In the newly elected legislature’s first meeting, Hong Kong leader John Lee said the fire exposed the need for reform and pledged that the investigation by law enforcement agencies and a judge-led independent committee would be thorough.

Lee said: “We will fairly pursue accountability and take disciplinary action based on facts against anyone who should bear responsibility, regardless of whether they are from within or outside the government, or whether they are junior or senior staff.”

To combat bid rigging, the administration proposed that the Urban Renewal Authority play a greater role in helping homeowners choose contractors for building maintenance projects.

Officials planned to set up a preselected list of consultants and contractors based on official background checks and past reviews from homeowners.

The authority would facilitate homeowners in tendering and bid evaluation more.

The government also suggested requiring big renovation projects to hire a third party professional to supervise the work.

It also suggested requiring the fire department’s approval before shutting down major fire safety installations, as well as banning smoking on any construction site.

Renovation materials and next steps

Authorities have pointed to substandard netting and foam boards installed during renovations at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex as factors that contributed to the fire in November.

Authorities also said some fire alarms did not work in tests.

Proposals for law changes linked to the smoking ban were expected to be submitted for the legislature’s review within the next few weeks.

Officials were still discussing some of the other suggestions with the Urban Renewal Authority.

Hong Kong Wang Fuk Court fire drives safety investigation, casualty review and reconstruction support funding

by Breaking NewsIncidents

Overview of Hong Kong fire response

Hong Kong authorities have detailed investigation findings, casualty updates and recovery measures after the Wang Fuk Court residential fire, while Chinese mainland agencies launch broader high-rise inspections and private donors contribute to reconstruction.

The Wang Fuk Court Grade 5 fire in Tai Po on Wednesday 26 November spread across seven of eight residential blocks undergoing renovation with bamboo scaffolding and foam insulation, according to AP News and Reuters.

Subsequent reporting by Xinhua and AP News has tracked changing casualty figures, the status of missing residents and the work of the casualty enquiry unit.

Reuters has set the Hong Kong incident in the context of a new nationwide inspection campaign on the Chinese mainland focused on high-rise fire safety.

Separate statements from Qiming Venture Partners and Vantage Foundation have outlined corporate donations to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Aid Fund and to local charities supporting residents.

AP News details fire investigation findings

AP News reported that investigators found some of the nylon netting covering bamboo scaffolding at Wang Fuk Court did not meet fire-safety codes, despite earlier tests indicating compliance.

Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary Eric Chan said later sampling of 20 netting sections from different heights showed seven failed standards, raising concerns that contractors had substituted cheaper materials.

Eric Chan, Chief Secretary for Administration, said: “They just wanted to make money at the expense of people’s lives.”

AP News stated that the blaze began on lower-level netting around one building, then entered the structure as polystyrene panels caught fire and winds carried flames between blocks.

AP describes resident displacement and housing support

According to AP News, about 4,600 people had lived in the Wang Fuk Court complex before the fire, and many towers suffered extensive damage as flames moved from block to block.

By Monday, authorities had arranged places in local hotels and hostels for 683 residents, while 1,144 people had moved into transitional housing units and two emergency shelters remained open.

The AP News report said public donations for survivors had reached 900 million Hong Kong dollars, alongside 300 million Hong Kong dollars in start-up capital from the government, to help residents rebuild homes and cover funeral and living costs.

AP News added that officials were working to identify longer-term housing options for survivors once structural safety assessments were complete.

Loretta Loh, who visited a makeshift memorial at the site, said: “I have a heavy heart.”

AP reports public anger and sedition arrests

AP News reported that residents had complained for almost a year about the renovation netting and that Hong Kong’s Labour Department had conducted 16 inspections since July 2024, issuing written reminders to contractors about fire-safety requirements, including one inspection a week before the fire.

The article said the Independent Commission Against Corruption had arrested 11 people, including directors and an engineering consultant linked to a construction company involved in the works.

Political scientist Jean-Pierre Cabestan told AP News that many residents were questioning official responsibility for the disaster.

Jean-Pierre Cabestan, senior research fellow at the Asia Centre, said: “People are angry and think that the HK (Hong Kong) government should be accountable.”

AP News stated that the Office for Safeguarding National Security condemned what it called “evil schemes” with “the ulterior motives of using the disaster to create trouble and disrupt Hong Kong”, and that local media had reported three sedition arrests linked to an online petition and volunteer activity.

The AP News coverage said Security Secretary Chris Tang rejected online claims about firefighter tactics and alleged hotel charges as false and warned that police would act against people spreading rumours.

Reuters outlines mainland high-rise inspections

Reuters reported that China’s Ministry of Emergency Management announced a nationwide inspection of fire-safety standards in high-rise buildings after the Hong Kong fire left at least 128 people dead.

The ministry stated: “We must comprehensively strengthen fire safety management of high-rise buildings to effectively protect people’s lives and property.”

Reuters said the State Council Work Safety Committee had issued a notice instructing local authorities across China to carry out the inspection campaign.

According to Reuters, the move came as Beijing sought to prevent similar incidents on the mainland in the wake of the Wang Fuk Court fire.

Ministry targets combustible materials and routes

Reuters reported that the inspection notice listed four focus areas, including scrutiny of flammable materials used in external wall insulation systems and banned construction materials such as bamboo scaffolding.

Checks will also assess the condition of fire-safety equipment in high-rise buildings and the adequacy of emergency evacuation routes, Reuters said.

Local authorities must take immediate corrective actions when safety hazards are identified and apply strict enforcement against serious violations, according to the Reuters report.

Beijing links Hong Kong fire to stability

Reuters noted that the Hong Kong fire was seen in Beijing as a test of its governance of the city.

The agency reported that Chinese authorities remained sensitive to incidents that could affect social stability following a 2022 blaze in Xinjiang that killed ten people and prompted protests during strict COVID-19 controls.

Reuters stated that the rapid announcement of the inspection drive was intended to signal that the central government attached high importance to preventing comparable disasters.

Xinhua updates casualty and missing figures

Xinhua reported that by 16:00 local time on Sunday, the Hong Kong police casualty enquiry unit had confirmed the safety of 159 residents who had previously been listed as missing after the Wang Fuk Court fire.

The update covered residents initially reported missing in the days following the blaze at the Tai Po complex.

Police clarify untraceable Wang Fuk Court cases

According to Xinhua, officer in charge Tsang Shuk-yin said the death toll had risen to 146, with 79 people injured.

Xinhua stated that 100 cases had been classified as untraceable, owing to reasons such as fragmented information, informants not providing addresses and some individuals not actually residing in Wang Fuk Court.

Tsang described these figures as part of ongoing casualty enquiry work to establish the status of all people linked to the complex.

Injury toll and enquiry work continue

The Xinhua report indicated that the confirmation of 159 people as safe reduced the number of residents whose whereabouts were unclear compared with earlier reporting.

Tsang explained that the casualty enquiry unit continued to cross-check missing-person reports and address data as part of the wider investigation.

Xinhua framed the casualty and injury numbers as provisional figures at a point several days after the initial fire.

Qiming Venture Partners donation to aid fund

Qiming Venture Partners announced that it had donated 3 million Hong Kong dollars to the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Aid Fund established by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

The company said the fund was launched on Thursday 27 November with an initial allocation of 300 million Hong Kong dollars from the government to coordinate social resources for rescue and recovery support.

Contribution supports Wang Fuk Court residents

According to Qiming Venture Partners, its donation is intended to support affected residents and contribute to post-disaster reconstruction in the community.

The firm stated that the aid fund remains open to public donations so that individuals and organisations can support efficient distribution of assistance.

Aid fund channels public and corporate support

Qiming Venture Partners said: “Qiming Venture Partners expresses our condolences to the families impacted by the major fire, and our deepest respect to the firefighters and rescue personnel at the frontline.

“We are grateful for their exceptional professionalism and selfless dedication which were evident throughout the crisis.

“Qiming hopes that its contribution will help alleviate the challenges faced by affected residents and support their swift return to normal life.

“Qiming also calls on more social forces to join in the relief efforts and contribute to the rebuilding of the affected communities.”

Vantage Foundation supports emergency relief work

Vantage Foundation stated that it had donated 1 million Hong Kong dollars to support emergency response and reconstruction after the Level 5 fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

The foundation said the fire had caused extensive damage to multiple households and disrupted daily life for local residents.

Donation funds shelter and essential supplies

According to Vantage Foundation, the donation was allocated to locally recognised charitable organisations to provide temporary shelter, essential supplies and mid-term community recovery support.

The statement said the funding aimed to address immediate needs while also helping residents during the months following the incident.

Company representatives visit affected community

Vantage Foundation reported that members of its management team and charity staff visited the affected area to participate in relief efforts and offer comfort and assistance to residents.

The organisation described the visit as part of its wider corporate social responsibility activity and its commitment to supporting communities in crisis.

Vantage Foundation stated: “At Vantage, we believe it is our responsibility to support the community in times of crisis.

“The Wang Fuk Court fire has deeply affected many families, and we hope this donation will help accelerate their recovery.

“We are also proud of our team members who proactively visited the site to show their support.

“Their empathy and solidarity exemplify the core values of our company.”

Implications for high-rise safety practice in Hong Kong

Details from the Hong Kong investigation and labour inspections provide information for fire and rescue chiefs, incident commanders and building control officials reviewing renovation risks in occupied high-rise estates.

Findings on non-compliant netting, bamboo scaffolding and polystyrene panels give fire engineering consultants, architects and building services engineers further evidence on how external materials and temporary works can affect fire spread in dense complexes.

Casualty and missing-person data from the casualty enquiry unit show emergency planners and disaster response managers the scale of displacement that a multi-block fire can create in a single estate.

The Chinese Ministry of Emergency Management’s nationwide inspection directive highlights how national and local government departments may respond when one incident raises wider questions about high-rise fire protection measures.

Corporate donations by Qiming Venture Partners and Vantage Foundation, alongside wider public contributions, show facility managers and housing authorities how recovery funding may combine government allocations, public giving and private-sector support after a major residential fire.

High-rise scaffolding turns Hong Kong housing estate fire into towering crisis

by Breaking NewsIncidents

High-rise towers at Wang Fuk Court damaged in level five Hong Kong fire

The Hong Kong government has confirmed that four people have died after a major fire at high-rise residential towers in the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po.

According to government updates reported by the BBC, nine people were taken to two hospitals by early evening local time.

Of these patients, four were certified dead, three were in a critical condition, one was in a serious condition and one was stable.

The BBC reported that the Fire Services Department later confirmed that one of those who died was a firefighter.

Earlier reporting from The Guardian and Reuters noted that several fire services staff were injured while attempting to suppress the flames.

The Fire Services Department said it first received reports of the fire at 14.51 local time.

The incident was upgraded to level three at 15.02, to level four at 15.34 and to level five at 18.22, which is the most serious category in Hong Kong’s grading system.

Wang Fuk Court is an eight-block housing complex in the Tai Po area of the New Territories, containing 1,984 flats and accommodating about 4,000 residents, according to BBC Chinese coverage.

Casualty figures and people still trapped

BBC live reporting stated that some people were reportedly still trapped in the burning high-rise buildings, although that information had not been confirmed by the authorities.

Reuters, citing public broadcaster RTHK and police sources, also reported that several people remained trapped inside the towers during the firefighting operation.

Former district councillor Herman Yiu Kwan-ho told the South China Morning Post that at least 13 people were still trapped, including eight elderly residents and two babies, the BBC reported.

Kwan-ho also reported that about 14 cats were trapped inside the affected buildings, according to the same coverage.

The BBC noted that it had not independently verified these figures.

The fire department told Reuters that it did not yet know how many people might still be inside the complex.

The Hong Kong government said police had set up a casualty hotline on 1878 999 for members of the public seeking information.

Officials added that a help desk was established at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, with a hotline on 2658 4040 for assistance and enquiries.

Evacuations, shelters and road closures

The Hong Kong government reported that temporary shelters had been opened at Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street Leisure Building in response to the Wang Fuk Court fire.

It said the Tai Po District Office was closely monitoring the situation and would open additional shelters if required.

BBC Chinese correspondent Gemini Cheng reported from Hong Kong that elderly residents, some using walking sticks or wheelchairs, had been moved to a nearby designated temporary shelter.

Coaches were due to transfer these residents to community halls that would remain open overnight for people displaced by the fire, according to the BBC.

The government said that police had started evacuating two blocks at the nearby Kwong Fuk Estate, Kwong Lai House and Kwong Yau House.

Hong Kong’s Transport Department announced that a section of Tai Po Road, one of the territory’s main highways, had been closed because of the incident.

Buses were diverted away from the area while firefighting and rescue operations continued, the department said.

Witnesses told Reuters that scores of fire engines and ambulances lined the road below the estate as crews worked at height from ladder trucks to tackle the flames and smoke.

Renovation work, scaffolding and unknown cause

BBC Chinese reported that Wang Fuk Court is currently undergoing renovation, with scaffolding in place around the blocks.

Images carried by the BBC and The Guardian showed the high-rise towers covered in bamboo scaffolding as the fire spread.

BBC coverage stated that pictures from the scene appeared to show flames travelling on the bamboo scaffolding installed on the exterior of the buildings.

BBC reporting, citing Hong Kong media from March, noted that the government’s Development Bureau has been seeking to phase out bamboo scaffolding from public projects because of safety concerns.

The BBC emphasised that the authorities had not given any information about the cause of the fire or the reason for its spread.

Tai Po is a suburban district in the New Territories, in the northern part of Hong Kong near the border with Shenzhen, as reported by The Guardian.

Incident planning insights from Hong Kong high-rise fire

For fire and rescue chiefs and senior officers, this incident shows how a high-rise residential fire can escalate to a level five classification in a densely populated public housing estate undergoing renovation.

The timeline from the first report at 14.51 to the highest grading at 18.22 highlights the speed at which incident commanders may need to revise tactics, resources and cordons as conditions change.

Emergency and disaster response managers can examine how the Hong Kong government combined building evacuations, casualty hotlines and the opening of temporary shelters to support residents displaced at short notice.

The use of coaches to move elderly residents using walking aids or wheelchairs to overnight community halls demonstrates the practical transport and accessibility issues that must be factored into high-rise evacuation plans.

For architects, building services engineers and facility managers responsible for high-rise housing under renovation, the presence of extensive bamboo scaffolding around occupied blocks raises questions about external fire spread pathways and access for ladder trucks and hose lines during an active incident.

Mass transit and highway facility managers may also note that the closure of a section of Tai Po Road, a main route for buses and other traffic, required diversions while multiple fire engines and ambulances occupied the carriageway near the estate.

Fire safety compliance inspections expand across Hong Kong

by Building ManagementConstructionFeatured NewsHealth and SafetySafety

Government outlines inspection and prosecution progress

More than 8,600 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices (FHANs) have been issued in Hong Kong following inspections of older high-risk buildings, according to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The fire safety inspections followed a 2024 fire at New Lucky House in Jordan that resulted in five deaths and 40 injuries.

The government reported that among around 1,000 composite buildings inspected, over 2,100 FHANs were issued to “three-nil buildings”, which have no owners’ corporation, no management company and no residents’ organisation.

District-level figures show that Sham Shui Po received the highest number of FHANs at 1,074.

A total of 324 successful prosecutions and convictions were secured across the 18 districts.

The most common cause of prosecution was smoke stop door irregularities, accounting for 259 cases.

Compliance rate and new inspection plans

As of the end of June 2025, the Fire Services Department (FSD) reported that over 90 percent of the 8,661 issued FHANs had been complied with.

In March 2025, the FSD created the Divisional Public Safety Team to increase district-level enforcement and community engagement across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories.

The department stated that it will proactively inspect 1,800 old buildings over the next year.

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to raise compliance with the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance among composite and domestic buildings constructed on or before 1987.

According to the Government, approximately 14,000 buildings fall under this legislation, and around 11,430 have already been inspected.

Progress on defaulted works and pilot programme

Following the December 2024 amendment to the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance, authorities can now carry out fire safety works directly when building owners fail to do so.

The Government confirmed that 10 buildings have been selected under a pilot defaulted works scheme, with over half of them being “three-nil buildings”.

The authorities expect the first of these building upgrades to be completed by mid-2026.

Work consultancy and contractor contracts are planned to be awarded in the third quarter of 2025.

The Government stated that cost estimates will only be provided after assessments are completed by appointed consultants.

In addition to the pilot works, building-level compliance data is now published online to help inform prospective tenants and buyers.

Future expansion of improvement projects

The Government said it expects to extend defaulted works to between 20 and 60 buildings per year in the future.

It plans to assess the programme’s progress and determine the scale of future implementation based on sector capacity and inter-departmental coordination.

A long-term strategy will be developed to support owners facing genuine obstacles in upgrading their buildings.

The authorities confirmed that resourcing and contractor availability will shape how many additional properties can be included annually.

Efforts are ongoing to ensure the model remains sustainable and effective.

Internet of Things trial for early detection

The FSD is also piloting a fire detection system using Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to send alerts directly to emergency services.

Sensors may be installed in flats or communal areas to provide faster fire detection and improve response times.

Only a limited number of buildings per district are currently being invited to participate in the scheme.

The FSD said it is using criteria such as building age, number of storeys and whether a property is a “three-nil building” to decide which buildings are eligible.

The pilot is part of a broader strategy to explore technology use in fire detection, including 5G, AI and big data.

Fire safety compliance inspections expand across Hong Kong: Summary

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has reported that 8,661 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices have been issued following inspections of 1,000 high-risk buildings.

A total of 2,112 of these notices were issued to “three-nil buildings”.

There were 324 successful prosecutions, with most involving smoke stop door irregularities.

More than 90 percent of the issued notices have been complied with.

The Fire Services Department will inspect 1,800 additional buildings over the next year.

A Divisional Public Safety Team was established in March 2025 to enhance enforcement.

Ten buildings have been selected for a pilot scheme allowing the government to complete fire safety upgrades on behalf of non-compliant owners.

More than half of the pilot buildings are “three-nil buildings”.

The first works are expected to finish by mid-2026.

Contract procurement is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.

Costs will be confirmed after consultant assessments.

Authorities expect to complete 20 to 60 defaulted works annually in future.

Building compliance status is now published online.

An Internet of Things detection system is being trialled in selected buildings.

FSD Hong Kong presents year-end review

by Featured News

The Fire Services Department (FSD) in Hong Kong said it received 37,828 fire calls in 2024, representing an increase of 4.8% over 2023. In addition, there were 5,222 damaging fires, a rise of 154 cases over 2023.

In all, 95.6% of the building fire calls were responded to within the graded response time.

Director of Services, Andy Yeung

At a media session presenting the FSD’s 2024 Year-end Review, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung recalled that a No. 3 alarm fire that broke out at New Lucky House in Jordan on April 10 led to multiple casualties.

He pointed out that the department subsequently formed a dedicated team to investigate the causes of the incident and factors which led to it.

Separately, a No. 4 alarm fire broke out at a construction site on Hung Nga Road in Hung Shui Kiu on April 9. Mr Yeung noted that during this operation, the department used indoor locating equipment for the first time.

This enabled firefighters to monitor the real-time locations and safety conditions of frontline staff and show the locations of those awaiting rescue, so that the search time could be significantly reduced, while the safety of frontline staff could be enhanced.

Findings of the year-end review

Mr Yeung also reported that the FSD conducted 460,400 inspections last year and issued 17,775 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices, with 4,967 cases brought to prosecution.

In response to the tragic fire at New Lucky House, he said the department proactively conducted, under a risk-based principle, about 8,200 inspections of some 1,000 old composite buildings with relatively higher fire risk.

A total of 8,661 notices were issued and over half of the cases were related to smoke stop door irregularities.

One-stop Co-ordination Office

Regarding the certification and acceptance inspection of fire service installation and equipment, the FSD plans to deploy internal resources and establish the One-stop Co-ordination Office for New Fire Protection Facilities Acceptance in March 2025.

Mr Yeung hopes that upon establishment of the co-ordination office, the overall time required for acceptance inspections could be reduced to within 35 working days in respect of average-scale regular projects.

To enhance the fire safety of old buildings, the department has completed the amendment to the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance which came into force on December 13 last year.

The main purpose of the amendment is to introduce the defaulted works mechanism, increase penalties as well as assist and drive target buildings to comply with the requirements, so that the fire safety standards of such buildings are enhanced to meet modern fire protection requirements, Mr Yeung explained.

Increase of 4.8% fire calls in 2024 say FSD Hong Kong: Summary

The Fire Services Department in Hong Kong have discussed the findings of their year-end review. The Director of Fire Services say that the amendment is introduced so that the fire safety standards of such buildings are enhanced to meet modern fire protection requirements.

Legislative Council to resume debates on key fire safety bills in Hong Kong

by Featured NewsSafety

Legislative Council to discuss fire safety and other critical bills in upcoming session

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday, December 11, at 11 am in the LegCo Complex Chamber.

According to the Legislative Council Secretariat, the session will resume the Second Reading debate on the Fire Safety (Buildings) (Amendment) Bill 2024.

If the bill receives approval, it will proceed to the committee stage for further scrutiny.

Following the committee’s considerations and the adoption of its report, the bill will move to its Third Reading.

The agenda also includes the Second Reading debate on the Stamp Duty Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2024, which will follow the same legislative process.

First readings of multiple bills on infrastructure, taxation, and harbour protection

The meeting will introduce several bills for their First and Second Readings.

These include the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Bill, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Deductions for Assisted Reproductive Service Expenses) Bill 2024, the Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill 2024, and the Road Tunnels (Government) (Amendment) Bill 2024.

The Second Reading debates on these bills will be adjourned to allow time for further review and consultation.

Government motions on legal aid, criminal procedure, and dutiable commodities

The Chief Secretary for Administration will present three proposed resolutions concerning the Legal Aid Ordinance and the Criminal Procedure Ordinance.

These motions are detailed in official appendices provided for the meeting.

Additionally, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development will move a resolution to amend the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.

Members’ motions and presentations on various policy issues

Several Members will present motions and amendments on topics ranging from Hong Kong’s role in the 14th Five-Year Plan to promoting red tourism and the panda economy.

Panel chairs will also address the Council on their respective progress reports, covering areas such as environmental affairs, welfare services, food safety, home affairs, financial matters, security, health services, commerce, and education.

Additionally, the Council will consider a report on subsidiary legislation and respond to 22 policy questions, six of which will require oral replies.

Legislative Council to discuss fire safety and other critical bills in upcoming session: Summary

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong will meet on December 11 to deliberate several bills, including the Fire Safety (Buildings) (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Stamp Duty Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2024.

Newly introduced bills will cover critical infrastructure protection, taxation, harbour amendments, and government road tunnels.

Key government motions related to legal aid, criminal procedures, and dutiable commodities are also on the agenda.

Members will discuss various motions and present updates on policy areas ranging from environmental matters to commerce and education.

The meeting will also address 22 policy questions, focusing on legislative and policy developments in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong URA launches free home safety programme for elderly and low-income families

by Featured NewsSafety
The HSICP ceremony is officiated by Miss Alice Mak, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (centre); Ir Wai Chi-sing, Managing Director of the URA (3rd from the left); Mr Edward Yu, District Officer (Yau Tsim Mong) (3rd from the right); Mr Paul Wong, District Officer (Sham Shui Po) (2nd from the left); Mr David Leung, District Officer (Central and Western) (2nd from the right); Mr Denny Ho, District Officer (Kwun Tong) (1st from the left); and Mr Kenneth Wu, Assistant District Officer (Kowloon City) (1st from the right).

URA partners with community groups to improve home safety

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) has launched the Home Safety Improvement Community Programme (HSICP) in collaboration with various community organisations across several districts in Hong Kong.

As reported by the Urban Renewal Authority, the programme aims to provide essential home safety and fire protection facilities at no cost to the elderly and underprivileged families, particularly those living in sub-divided units and ethnic minorities.

The programme will focus on Kowloon City, Central and Western District, Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po, and Yau Tsim Mong.

A ceremony was held on 25 September 2024 at the URA’s Building Rehabilitation Resource Centre in To Kwa Wan to mark the launch of the HSICP.

The event was officiated by government officials and community leaders, including the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Miss Alice Mak, and Managing Director of the URA Ir Wai Chi-sing.

HSICP offers tailored safety solutions for underprivileged families

The HSICP aims to improve residential safety by offering tailored home safety and fire protection solutions.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ir Wai Chi-sing, Managing Director of the URA, said: “Seeking to enhance safety in consideration of diverse demographic profiles and living conditions within older districts, the HSICP provides tailored home safety improvement solutions and advances residential and fire protection among beneficiary families.”

The programme is a result of collaboration between various stakeholders, including government departments, professional bodies, and community organisations.

The URA plans to enhance the living conditions of elderly residents and low-income families living in old districts through this initiative.

HSICP follows the success of previous programmes

Since 2018, the URA has implemented the Home Repair Services Community Programme (HRSCP) in the same districts.

This initiative involved home repair ambassadors and volunteer workers offering free services such as appliance inspections, power socket replacements, and minor repairs for elderly and low-income families.

To date, more than 5,000 households have benefited from this programme.

Building on the experience gained from the HRSCP, the HSICP was introduced in July 2024 to expand the scope of support.

The new programme now includes Kwun Tong and aims to reach more families in need of safety improvements in old buildings.

One-year programme targets improved safety and fire protection

The HSICP will run for a year and is expected to benefit over 1,000 households across five districts.

In addition to free home repairs, the programme offers safety assessments, installation of essential fire protection facilities, and education on safety awareness.

The service extends to both individual units and, where feasible, the common areas of buildings.

The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the Institution of Fire Engineers are contributing professional advice, while local district services and community care teams will support the programme.

The URA aims to create a safer living environment for Hong Kong’s underprivileged families by leveraging this collaborative effort.

Hong Kong URA launches free home safety programme for elderly and low-income families: Summary

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) has introduced the Home Safety Improvement Community Programme (HSICP) to provide free home safety and fire protection facilities to elderly and underprivileged families in several Hong Kong districts.

The programme is part of a broader effort to improve safety for those living in older buildings, particularly after several fires and accidents were reported in 2023.

The HSICP builds on the success of the URA’s previous Home Repair Services Community Programme (HRSCP) and aims to expand the scope of support to benefit over 1,000 households over the next year.

The programme is supported by community organisations, professional engineers, and government departments.