Initial two-month scheme resulted in 75 prosecutions, with fire service aiming to check another 5,000 buildings following Tai Po blaze
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenJess MaPublished: 10:37pm, 21 May 2026Hong Kong authorities are extending an operation targeting poorly maintained fire safety equipment for another two years, aiming to inspect 5,000 high-risk old buildings after an initial phase resulted in 75 prosecutions.Law Kin-san, acting senior divisional officer for policy at the Fire Services Department, said on Thursday that ad hoc checks on high-risk buildings would prioritise residential blocks wrapped in scaffolding nets and those undergoing major renovation.
“Unlike new buildings, these buildings still house many residents during renovation works. Once a fire breaks out, evacuation and rescue become much more difficult and risky,” Law said.
Officers will check fire alarms, hosepipe reel systems and water tanks, as well as annual fire safety equipment inspection records in the target buildings.
