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Fire Services Department ( Hong Kong)

The latest news and top stories on the Fire Services Department in Hong Kong. A prominent Hong Kong-based governmental body, the Fire Services Department (HKFSD) is dedicated to protecting life and property from fire and other calamities. Its main areas of focus include fire suppression and rescue services on land and sea, fire protection and prevention and emergency ambulance services. The HKFSD also advises the public on fire safety and enforces related regulations. Established in 1868, it is recognised as one of the world’s busiest fire brigades, committed to community safety and continuous operational improvement.

Fire Services Department ( Hong Kong)

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | ‘No limits’ to accountability over Tai Po fire, security chief Chris Tang says

Secretary for security says committee investigating blaze will deliver results in a timely manner and commission of inquiry not needed.

Eternal ‘star’: asteroid named after firefighter killed in Hong Kong blaze

Helper injured, 2 cats die in Hong Kong fire linked to pet water dispenser

Hong Kong unveils proposed overhaul of fire safety laws as consultation begins

Six months on from deadly Tai Po blaze, authorities launch consultation exercise on proposed amendments to Fire Services Ordinance.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | Hong Kong must not slip into complacency on fire safety

The city is right to extend its safety inspection regimes for old buildings, even as it moves to enforce stricter standards for cramped subdivided flats.

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.

Fire services to be ‘gatekeepers’ for safety, Hong Kong security chief vows

Secretary for Security says responsibility for fire safety ultimately lies with Fire Services Department, amid fallout from Tai Po blaze.

Auditor takes aim at fire services over delayed safety hazard prosecutions

Fire services yet to launch prosecutions over 34 mini-storage premises that failed to follow safety hazard orders, with some first checked in 2016.

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.

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.

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.

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.

‘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 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.

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.

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.

Tai Po blaze: no fire risk checks done for HK$336 million estate renovation

Authorities did not pay special attention to fire hazards at residential estates undergoing large-scale maintenance before deadly fire, official says.

7 injured, 4 critically, in fire at Hong Kong recycling yard

Bright orange flames and thick black smoke seen at Tai Po site after blast.

2 women climb out of window to flee Hong Kong building fire that injured 3 others

Police say they were alerted at 5.28pm of blaze at Yen Dack Building on Chun Yeung Street in North Point.

Residents of Tai Po blaze building misled over renovation project, inquiry told

Ties among companies bidding for work at Wang Fuk Court also suggest possible under-the-table relationships, independent committee hears.

Letters | Hong Kong cannot allow a wait-and-see approach to fire safety

Readers discuss fire safety compliance, palliative care, and the diversity of religious life in Singapore.

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: John Lee hails ‘role models’ as firefighters feted

Sa’diyya Nesar wins the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award for her work in promoting disability inclusion.

Letters | How Tai Po fire exposed weakness in Hong Kong contract governance

Readers call for steps to improve procurement and contract oversight, official accountability for lapses that led to the tragedy, and appreciation for donor generosity.

‘Darkest corner’: firefighters haunted by Hong Kong blaze but vow to keep serving

Firefighters recount extreme challenges of operation at Wang Fuk Court, with some struggling emotionally after finding so many bodies.

Letters | Commercialisation of Hong Kong’s public venues must come with a caveat

Readers discuss the government’s bid to open up underused public venues, call for a Firefighters’ Day, and take issue with the sensationalisation of news.

‘Our spirit is tougher’: Hong Kong fire survivor’s ordeal and rescue

After hours trapped in the deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze, resident William Li recounts the desperate rescue of himself and two neighbours.

Video | Hongkongers rally to support those affected by Tai Po housing estate fire

Volunteers offered food, supplies, services and their time to help people affected by the deadly blaze at Wang Fuk Court.

Video | Memorials for ‘superhero’ firefighter who lost life in Hong Kong blaze

Ho Wai-ho was dispatched to fight a 5-alarm fire at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court complex.

Exclusive | ‘No limits’ to accountability over Tai Po fire, security chief Chris Tang says

Editorial | Hong Kong must not slip into complacency on fire safety