Hong Kong security minister warns of ‘hidden’ fire threats in city’s old buildings

Hong Kong’s security chief on Wednesday warned of “hidden threats” in the city’s old buildings with outdated fire safety facilities, calling on owners to enhance their readiness to meet modern standards.

“Hong Kong is a densely populated city,” Lai said. “Old buildings that do not meet modern fire safety standards are indeed hidden threats to society, with significant consequences in case of fire. Indeed, fires in the past have resulted in significant causalities and injuries.”

According to the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance, all composite and domestic buildings with their building plans submitted for approval on or before March 1, 1987, should have their fire safety installations improved to meet modern standards.

Since 2014/15, the Fire Services Department and the Buildings Department have issued orders to owners in 2,100 such buildings across the city, requiring them to improve their fire safety facilities.