Operation targeting fire safety in old Hong Kong buildings extended for 2 years
Initial two-month scheme resulted in 75 prosecutions, with fire service aiming to check another 5,000 buildings following Tai Po blaze
Law Kin-san, acting senior divisional officer for policy at the Fire Services Department, said on Thursday that ad hoc checks on high-risk buildings would prioritise residential blocks wrapped in scaffolding nets and those undergoing major renovation.
“Unlike new buildings, these buildings still house many residents during renovation works. Once a fire breaks out, evacuation and rescue become much more difficult and risky,” Law said.
It will cover old residential and mixed-use buildings equipped with fire alarms and hosepipe reel systems. Buildings undergoing renovations, including those covered with scaffolding mesh, will also be examined.
Officers will check fire alarms, hosepipe reel systems and water tanks, as well as annual fire safety equipment inspection records in the target buildings.