Barge catches fire at Yau Ma Tei cargo area, second case in less than a week
Blaze on barge carrying recycled metal early on Friday prompts Hong Kong lawmaker to call for stricter safety oversight
A barge carrying recycled metal caught fire at Hong Kong’s New Yau Ma Tei Public Cargo Working Area early on Friday, marking the second such blaze at the site in less than a week and prompting renewed calls from a lawmaker for stronger safety measures.
The Fire Services Department said it received a report at 4.19am that a fire had broken out on a barge moored near the cargo area along Hoi Fai Road.
A spokesman said firefighters had launched a marine and land operation to put out the blaze.
“Members of the public affected by the smoke and an unusual odour carried by the wind are advised to stay indoors, close their doors and windows, and stay calm,” he added.
Police said initial checks found no evidence of criminal activity. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Lawmaker Vincent Cheng Wing-shun noted on Friday that the fire was the second involving recycled metals at the same cargo working area within six days, and the fifth such incident in the past 12 months.
“It is highly unsatisfactory that two fires of a similar nature occurred at nearly the same location within such a short period of time,” he said.