With so many high-rises dominating its urban landscape, Hong Kong is not known as the city of skyscrapers for nothing. But it also knows too well that these buildings are potential death traps, having witnessed a string of deadly fires and accidents that could have been prevented over the years. Thankfully, the blaze that raged through a 48-floor hotel block under construction in the heart of Kowloon did not cause serious injuries. But unless lessons are learned, such fires may continue to haunt. Resembling the scene of a Hollywood disaster drama, the nine-hour Tsim Sha Tsui inferno was one of the worst in recent years. Burning debris and embers rained down on streets, sending people scrambling for shelter. The fire broke out at a redevelopment project on the site of the former Mariners’ Club late on Thursday night and soon engulfed the scaffolding-covered structure. Crowds watched in awe as flames, which could be seen from the other side of Victoria Harbour, filled the night sky. Among those looking on were 170 people evacuated from neighbouring blocks. The cause of the incident remains unknown at this stage, but any investigation will not be complete without reviewing fire prevention requirements and compliance measures. Currently, buildings under construction are required to only have temporary fire safety devices, unlike those for buildings already in use. Whether such safeguards are sufficient should be looked into. Safety checks at high-rise after Hong Kong firefighters battle blaze for 9 hours The work of some 250 firefighters and other rescue personnel was made more difficult by environmental factors including strong winds that buffeted water jets sprayed from extension ladders. Construction materials inside the structure are also said to have obstructed access. The incident recalls a series of serious fires, including one at an industrial building in January that took almost 10 hours to bring under control. In December, 100 people were evacuated after a blaze broke out at a building on Dundas Street, Mong Kok. In late 2021, the upscale World Trade Centre caught fire while undergoing renovation, prompting 1,300 people to flee during lunch hour. Some fire prevention devices were found to have been switched off, apparently because of the ongoing work. It does not take such dramatic incidents to underline the threats to safety posed by tall and densely packed buildings. The latest fire is yet another reminder that nothing can be taken for granted when it comes to preventing blaze outbreaks. Evidently, a city that continues to grow vertically to suit its development needs cannot turn away from high-rises because of potential fire hazards. However, it makes the safety of such buildings all the more important.