Hong Kong Fire Safety Laws Tighten: New Rules Approved, May 31

Hong Kong’s Security Bureau is moving forward with amendments to the Fire Services Ordinance after securing industry backing from fire safety engineers and property managers. The changes include higher penalties and new duties for property management companies. The government also announced plans to expand emergency hotlines and improve response systems following the deadly Tai Po fire.

New Fire Safety Rules Get Industry Support

Security Bureau Chief Tang Ping-keung said fire safety engineers and property managers have agreed to the proposed amendments before formal public consultation begins. The changes include higher penalties for violations. Property management companies will become responsible parties under the new law, required to arrange registered contractors to inspect fire alarm systems every six months and conduct fire drills annually.

Tang stated that fire testing and drill costs are very low and the new requirements do not involve additional resources. He believes the changes will not significantly impact overall management fees for residents.

Emergency Hotlines Expand Rapidly

The Fire Services 999 hotline has expanded from 30 lines to 48 lines following bottlenecks during the Tai Po fire. The government plans to increase capacity to nearly 70 lines within two to three months. By early 2027, after upgrading the fourth-generation command computer system, the hotline will reach over 100 lines, which Tang said will be sufficient to handle demand.

Tang explained that the previous 30 lines handled calls adequately for years, but the recent fire revealed gaps. The government is now balancing resources with operational needs.

Emergency Alert System Gets Faster Response

The government’s emergency alert system now sends warnings in 15 minutes instead of the previous one hour. The system can now target specific districts individually rather than issuing territory-wide alerts. If residents are in the affected area, they receive the message automatically.

Tang said the decision to activate the system depends on the scale and nature of each incident. During the Tai Po fire, officials needed one hour to draft messages and process the system-wide broadcast, so the alert was not sent that day.

Fire Safety Responsibility Clarified

A public inquiry into the Tai Po fire revealed confusion over which government department bears responsibility for building fire safety. The Fire Services Department initially claimed that structural issues like foam-sealed windows and stairwell openings fall under passive fire protection and belong to the Buildings Department.

Tang said the Fire Services has an ultimate safety responsibility. If the department discovers fire hazards, it will refer cases to the relevant agency and follow up to ensure the hazard is resolved, even if technically outside its jurisdiction.

Final Thoughts

Hong Kong’s fire safety overhaul addresses gaps exposed by the Tai Po fire through law changes, expanded emergency lines, and faster alerts. The industry support and government commitment signal serious action on building safety.

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