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Hong Kong fires and safety

Hong Kong fires and safety
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Hong Kong fires and safety. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
A block at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The residential complex was undergoing renovation when the fire broke out last November. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Fire risks not spotted due to old inspection guidelines, Tai Po blaze inquiry told

Government surveyors were following outdated guidelines that didn’t require them to examine renovation works in person at Wang Fuk Court, committee hears.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Claims of no foam material regulations ‘unacceptable’, Tai Po fire probe hears

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Video | ‘My home is right here. Why would I bid it farewell?’

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Wang Fuk Court residents make long climb to retrieve family treasures

Jewellery, cash, photo albums and keepsakes linked to dead loved ones among items reclaimed by residents.

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A resident collects personal belongings from Wang Sun House. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Changes to fire services law with tougher penalties set for public consultation

Security Bureau to submit amendments, including requirement fire alarms be checked every six months, to lawmakers early next month.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Departments must communicate better, fire chief tells Tai Po blaze hearing

But Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung insists authorities have clear divisions of work for supervision of renovation projects.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Contractors must justify shutdowns under tighter scrutiny: fire chief

Andy Yeung tells committee that Fire Services Department will amend laws, tighten oversight of fire services installation contractors.

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The fire at Wang Fuk Court killed 168 people and displaced about 5,000 residents. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong fire services declined Tai Po alert over confusion fears, inquiry hears

System, which triggers high-pitched alarm on mobile phones, would have offered little help as it takes up to one hour to activate, officer says.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po fire probe: no emergency alert sent over fears of unpredictable responses

Judge David Lok urges distinction between firefighting and fire prevention, says officers at the scene had to make many difficult decisions.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

‘Lifetime of memories’: survivors return to worst-hit Wang Fuk Court block

Survivors recount narrow escapes and salvage belongings, as some demand accountability and criticise time limits after deadly blaze.

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A framed wedding photo has been found as Wang Fuk Court residents return to their flats to pack their belongings. Photo: Karma Lo
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tough penalties planned to stop unapproved fire system shutdowns in Hong Kong

Security Bureau plans to propose legal amendments to improve oversight following deadly Tai Po fire last November.

The proposed measures aim to combat malpractice in light of the Tai Po fire. Photo: Sun Yeung
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

‘Regulatory vacuum’: Hong Kong fire probe reveals confusion over safety roles

Testimony by fire services officials shows departments split over handling complaints on Wang Fuk Court renovations.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Polyfoam use left unchecked amid gap in supervision, Tai Po fire probe hears

Fire service official Michael Yung says responsibility for flagged hazards lies with Housing Bureau’s Independent Checking Unit and Labour Department.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po blaze probe: temporary removal of fireproof windows ‘complied with rules’

Panel chairman questions whether interests of workers and residents are at odds under existing regulations.

Fire swept through seven of the eight towers at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po last November. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hard to enforce fire safety even under amended laws: Tai Po probe chairman

Labour Department found that no workers smoked on site, safety officer says, suggesting that those repeatedly seen smoking eluded inspections.

The Wang Fuk Court fire, which started on November 26 last year, destroyed all but one of the estate’s eight blocks. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Vote rigging at Wang Fuk Court went unchecked before deadly fire, inquiry hears

Ex-committee member Jason Kong says proxy votes kept predecessors in power until controversial HK$336 million renovation led to their ousting.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po fire probe: member alleges rigged votes in management committee election

Committee member also admits owners’ corporation failed to follow through with threats to fine contractor for workers’ persistent smoking on site.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

‘Like charcoal’: Wang Fuk Court residents sift through ashes for belongings

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk says first day of phased re-entry proceeded ‘in an orderly manner’ and describes process as ‘largely smooth’.

A resident surnamed Wong has said his seventh-floor flat in Wang Sun House was heavily damaged in the fire. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Returning to a fire-ravaged home in Wang Fuk Court: what to prepare

If you plan to return to the Tai Po fire site to retrieve belongings, here are some ways to navigate the terrain and deal with emotional triggers.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Wang Fuk Court residents prepare for emotional return to site of deadly fire

Grief counsellor and psychologist help residents prepare physically and mentally for the expected ‘sensory shock’ of returning to ravaged homes.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po fire: owners’ group repeatedly complained about use of flammable materials

Former management committee chair says residents felt ‘helpless’ and ‘couldn’t find anything in Hong Kong law to justify our demands’.

Tony Tsui, former chairman of the estate’s management committee for the owners’ group, arrives at City Gallery. Photo: Edmond So
Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong to scrap fax messaging between police and fire services for emergencies

Security chief Chris Tang says system to be digitised after Tai Po fire inquiry reveals use of fax for sharing emergency appeals gathered online.

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Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Authorities will also increase phone lines at call centres, after an inquiry into the inferno revealed a bottleneck for call referrals. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po probe: owners urged contractor to use fire-resistant materials ‘in vain’

Spotlight on oversight failures as attention turns to management committee and contractor conduct, with former chair set to testify.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

We failed to check if workers smoked at Wang Fuk Court, firms tell fire hearing

Engineering firms also say replacing fireproof windows with movable boards was unnecessary.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po fire probe: resident recalls deaths of family members – as it happened

Resident says he kept calling his mother every 15 minutes and made a video call at around 9pm during which he saw the flat in complete darkness.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po blaze: official defends refusing mainland Chinese firefighters’ help

Mainland counterparts may not have adapted to local environment nor communicated effectively, Hong Kong fire services officer says at hearing.

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Teams of firefighters battling the blaze in Tai Po on the night of November 26. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

100‑metre ladders ‘unsuitable’ for narrow Hong Kong roads, Tai Po fire probe told

Fire Services Department explains its choice of equipment to fight blaze, while police stress buildings were thoroughly searched for survivors.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Firefighters prioritised tackling blaze over rescues, Tai Po probe hears

‘If you cannot put out the fire, how can you save those trapped inside?’ commander tells committee investigating Wang Fuk Court disaster.

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