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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.
The inferno at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has prompted proposals to amend the Building Management Ordinance. Photo: Elson Li
Hong Kong Bar Association chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet. Photo: Edmond So
Hong Kong society

Bar Association urges proxy cap, electronic voting to curb building bid-rigging

Association chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet expresses reservations about a proposal limiting proxies to only two classes of people.

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Hong Kong politics

Civil servants may face disciplinary action over Tai Po fire if named in report

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Hong Kong society

Boy, 13, saved after climbing onto air-conditioning unit to escape fire in flat

Accidents and personal safety

Fire breaks out on rooftop of residential building in Hong Kong’s Mong Kok

No casualties reported as firefighters battle blaze with one water jet after items stored on the rooftop catch fire.

The blaze broke out on the roof of a residential building in Mong Kok. Photo: Edmond So
Items stored on the rooftop caught fire. Photo: Handout
The Fire Services Department received a report of the fire at about 5.20pm. Photo: Handout
Firefighters at the scene of the fire. Photo: Edmond So
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong prepares reforms, accountability measures ahead of Tai Po fire report

City leader John Lee pledges to pursue accountability and implement comprehensive reforms as soon as possible after receiving independent committee’s report.

Accidents and personal safety

Family of 4 in hospital after fire at Sha Tin public housing estate

After trying and failing to put out fire on their TV stand, family escapes building with about 140 other residents.

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Hong Kong society

Top official to determine responsible department in complex 1823 cases

When assigning complaints that involve more than one government department, responsibility will be fairly distributed, Warner Cheuk says.

A new handling mechanism for the 1823 hotline is set to be implemented early next year. Photo: ISD
The devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court last November killed 168 people and displaced about 5,000 others. Photo: Karma Lo
John Lee policy address 2026

Hong Kong leader pledges building maintenance reforms after fatal Tai Po fire

Government will conduct a legal study on criminalising bid-rigging in major building maintenance works and submit a proposal to the Legislative Council this year.

Hong Kong courts

Hong Kong court winds up Wang Fuk Court renovation consultant over debt

Will Power Architects, involved in HK$336 million renovation project at estate, is ordered wound up after failing to oppose creditor’s application.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

85% of Wang Fuk Court owners sign sale deals as flat selection moves ahead

Housing Bureau holds computerised ballot to set flat-selection order, posts results online as rehousing scheme moves into next phase.

After the blaze last November, which killed 168 people and displaced nearly 5,000, the government announced a buy-back of all 1,984 flats at the subsidised housing estate in Tai Po. Photo: Sun Yeung
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Buildings Department files 259 charges over work at fire-ravaged Hong Kong estate

Charges against two firms, four individuals relate to alleged use of substandard materials and failure to properly supervise repairs.

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

Editorial | Deal reached on Wang Fuk Court flats clears the way for recovery

Resolving resettlement for most Tai Po fire victims now paves the way for the next essential step towards closure: full accountability.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong gives 45 Wang Fuk Court holdouts final call on buyout scheme

As of noon on Sunday, 1,939 of estate’s 1,984 flat owners have submitted acceptance letters, while 77.7 per cent have signed sale and purchase agreements.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Why some Wang Fuk Court owners have refused buy-back deal even as deadline nears

While acquisition price for flats at fire-ravaged estate is seen as generous, about 3.5 per cent of homeowners have not accepted offer.

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Some Wang Fuk Court homeowners say Hong Kong’s buy-back offer cannot compensate for the loss of their homes, memories and community. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Lawmakers flag gaps in proposed building management rules after Tai Po fire

Tightening proxy votes and strengthening oversight are moves in ‘correct’ direction, but legislators cite potential drawbacks and loopholes.

Last November's fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po killed 168 people and displaced nearly 5,000 others. Photo: Jelly Tse
Accidents and personal safety

Man injured as fire engulfs 2 huts, 4 speedboats at village in Sai Kung

Hong Kong firefighters say they received multiple reports of a fire that broke out near a minibus terminus in Po Toi O village.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

8% of Wang Fuk Court owners yet to accept buy-back as deadline looms

Asked whether government will turn to legal means to acquire remaining flats, chief executive says decision will be made at later stage.

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Hong Kong society

16 taken to hospital after fire breaks out at Taikoo Shing flat

Blaze erupted at Begonia Mansion in Taikoo Shing’s Harbour View Gardens, with smoke pouring from flat.

Rescue services were sent to Begonia Mansion in Taikoo Shing after multiple reports of a fire. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po inquiry sheds more light on final moments of firefighter Ho Wai-ho

Government-appointed independent committee releases interim investigation report from separate task force, including images of Ho’s gear.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong backtracks on requiring hotels to put fire escape hoods in rooms

Home Affairs Department says it will only encourage hotels to ensure supply of fire escape hoods in guest rooms, other spaces.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Contractor’s 2 directors deny all allegations in Tai Po fire witness statements

Independent committee investigating Wang Fuk Court fire also releases statement by district councillor previously criticised by residents.

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Prestige director Hau Wah-kin denied allegations of bid-rigging in his witness statement. Photo: Sam Tsang
Accidents and personal safety

Man dies, 78 people evacuated after fire breaks out at Hong Kong village house

Authorities say they were alerted at around 4.30am to blaze at home in Ling Shan Tsuen in Fanling.

Firefighters at the scene of Wednesday morning’s fire. Photo: Handout
Accidents and personal safety

Hong Kong mandates fire escape hoods in hotels and guest houses to boost safety

Home affairs chief Alice Mak says implementation arrangements to be discussed with sector soon, as authorities give grace period.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong issues 21 smoking fines on construction sites in first 6 days of ban

Commissioner for Labour Sam Hui says authorities inspected about 530 construction sites during the first six days of the ban.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Editorial | Tai Po fire inquiry must discharge its duty without fear or favour

After months of hearings, a greater test lies ahead as the judge-led committee confronts uncomfortable evidence.

Residents of Wang Fuk Court attend an extraordinary general meeting convened by government-appointed administrator Hop On Management Company at Tai Po Community Centre on July 19. The meeting was called after a joint petition requesting a full owners’ meeting to discuss future arrangements for the fire-ravaged Tai Po housing complex. Photo: Karma Lo
Hong Kong society

9 tickets, 110 warnings issued after construction site smoking ban takes effect

Authorities have inspected over 200 construction sites since the ban began on Friday last week, labour commissioner says.

Workers put their cigarettes and lighters inside designated lockers before entering a construction site in To Kwa Kwan. Photo: Elson Li
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong prepares for sweeping reforms following end of Tai Po blaze inquiry

Political observers also expect senior officials, including ministers, to take accountability for blaze once committee submits report.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong to tighten contractor oversight after Tai Po blaze, minister vows

Development secretary also pledges to explore harsher penalties for offenders as government’s reliance on industry’s self-policing comes into question.

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