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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 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
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.

John Lee policy address 2026

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

Hong Kong courts

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

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.

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.

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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.

A view of the blaze-hit Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Under the acquisition scheme, the government will buy flats at HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 per square foot, depending on whether the land premium has been paid. Photo: Jelly Tse
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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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.

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.

The blaze was classified as a No 1 alarm fire, the lowest in Hong Kong’s five-tier system. Photo: Facebook/Hang Hau Rural Committee
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.

Wang Fuk Court home owners leave after attending an extraordinary general meeting at Kai Tak Community Hall on July 19. Photo: Edmond So
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.

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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The Home Affairs Department has also said that authorities will not offer advice on the supply of such equipment in common and staff areas. Photo: Fire Service Department
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.

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.

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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.

The smoking ban took effect on July 17. Photo: Jelly Tse
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.

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.

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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Last November’s fire killed 168 people. Photo: Edmond So
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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Substandard non-fire-retardant scaffolding netting had been used in the renovation project at Wang Fuk Court, an independent investigating committee has heard. Photo: Karma Lo
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tears of anger as Tai Po fire survivors slam negligent authorities after hearing

Following independent committee hearings, residents say government departments are passing the buck and call for courts to ensure accountability.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Call to merge housing checking unit with Buildings Department after Tai Po fire

Some Wang Fuk Court residents question why team tasked with inspecting construction projects should remain under Housing Bureau.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po fire: corrupt players exploited loopholes in regulations, inquiry hears

Committee’s lead counsel says on final day of hearings that Wang Fuk Court contractor and consultant deserve strongest condemnation.

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Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po was devastated by an inferno that raged for 43 hours. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po fire inquiry legal team calls for bamboo scaffolding to be phased out

Other recommendations outlined in 627 pages of closing submissions include legislative reform and measures to curb bid-rigging.

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Bamboo scaffolding on the exterior of the Wang Fuk Court towers in January. Photo: Elson Li
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

SCMP multimedia series traces causes, failures and human toll of Tai Po blaze

South China Morning Post infographics on Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades examine chain of events, systemic lapses and inquiry evidence.

Hong Kong society

First day of smoking ban at construction sites in Hong Kong catches out offenders

Authorities hand out eight fixed penalty notices to workers and plan to prosecute contractor as industry tries to stamp out safety risk.

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