Hong Kong's Fire Services Department has extended a fire safety inspection operation targeting old buildings for two more years. The move follows a deadly blaze in Tai Po and builds on an initial scheme that led to 75 prosecutions.
Law Kin-san, acting senior divisional officer for policy at the Fire Services Department, announced the extension on Thursday. The operation will focus on old residential and mixed-use buildings with fire alarms and hosepipe reel systems.
Priority will go to blocks wrapped in scaffolding nets and those undergoing major renovations. Officers will inspect alarms, hosepipe reels, water tanks and annual safety records.
The department aims to examine another 5,000 buildings under the extended programme. Law noted that residents often remain in place during renovations, making evacuation harder if a fire occurs.
