Ignore online rumours and get behind our firefighters, Hong Kong public urged

Top Hong Kong officials and unionists on Friday urged the public to support the city’s firefighters, saying hearsay and criticism of the strategies used in tackling an industrial building inferno had piled pressure on frontline officers.

While firefighters’ unions said the morale of the force was high, some frontline officers posed angry messages online questioning the decisions of their commanders and blasting “inaccurate” media reports.

Hundreds of firefighters have been taking turns to battle the blaze at the Amoycan Industrial Centre in Ngau Tau Kok since it started on Tuesday. It is understood that some have suffered emotional breakdowns and the police force has sent its psychological services group to conduct consultations with those affected.

Secretary for Security Lai Tung-kwok appealed for public support for the firefighters, noting there were voices that had questioned the strategies and commands used in the operation.

“All firefighters have gone through professional training and are equipped with professional knowledge and skills. They would know what the best strategies are to combat the blaze,” Lai said.

Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying made the same appeal and said: “The situation of the fire is very complex ... I truly recognise the work of fire services and hope the public continuously support and cooperate with them.”