The Fire Services Department on Tuesday said it has implemented a comprehensive package of reforms in the wake of the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court last November aimed at preventing similar tragedies and boosting public safety.

Presenting the department’s year-end review for 2025, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung outlined a series of measures designed to strengthen emergency response and fire prevention.

"First, we have established dedicated inspection teams to conduct thorough checks on fire safety devices and equipment, specifically targeting buildings undergoing major renovations," Yeung said.

He said these teams will focus on testing fire alarms and hose reel systems, while also initiating investigations and enforcement action where problems are identified.

The department has also set up round-the-clock quick response teams.

"When a fire occurs in a building, they will immediately and proactively go to the scene to inspect the operational status of the relevant fire safety devices," he said.

"This ensures responsible parties are maintaining them in effective working condition, and allows us to take enforcement action against any violations."

Another reform involves better communication with the public, with the department issuing a circular requiring contractors to post standardised damage notices in visible areas when equipment like fire hose reels or manual alarm points are out of service.

These notices, Yeung said, will clearly state the date of the outage and the affected areas, ensuring residents are fully aware of any temporary lapses in safety infrastructure.

Yeung added that the department is also ramping up its public education efforts.

"We are actively strengthening publicity, education and training for the public, owners' corporations and property management companies," he said.

"We encourage more frequent testing of fire safety equipment and fire drills, and recommend arranging disaster preparedness lectures beforehand."

Yeung reported a 4.9 percent decrease in the total number of fire calls which fell to 35,972 last year, from 37,828 in 2024.

However, he said the number of building fires resulting in casualties or damage rose by 25 cases, reaching a total of 2,000.

The primary causes of these fires, according to Yeung, were electrical faults and human factors, such as the careless disposal of cigarette butts or candles setting things alight.

Despite the rise in serious building fires, Yeung said the department maintained a robust inspection regime.

Last year, officers conducted over 447,000 fire prevention inspections, issued nearly 17,100 fire hazard abatement notices and initiated approximately 3,460 prosecutions.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden