Three firms accused of being responsibile for the 1996 Garley Building fire that killed 40 people and injured 80 have filed a writ saying the building's incorporated owners, management company and a construction firm should pay all or part of the costs arising from the blaze.

The three companies, which were accused of negligence, reached a secret compensation deal with victims of the blaze in September 1999, when 23 actions for damages were resolved. They are now seeking a declaration that they are 'entitled to be indemnified or paid a contribution against the whole or part of the claims'. The Ryoden Lift and Escalator Co Ltd, Hop Cheong Engineering Co Ltd and Fong Fun Peng, trading as Kwan Kee Construction Co, had been blamed by victims for the fatal blaze on November 20, 1996, at an old commercial building in Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei.

The firms want the declaration to cover any out-of-court settlements or court-ordered payments. They are also asking for the costs of defending any of the claims.