The Fire Services Department is seeking to expand usage of the Internet of Things (IoT) fire detection system to about 3,600 buildings in Hong Kong following satisfactory results in a pilot scheme.

The scheme saw wireless integrated detection systems installed in common areas and within all units in 10 buildings of no more than six storeys high during a three-month period, with fire extinguishers provided on each floor.

Upon detecting carbon monoxide and heavy smoke up to certain levels, detectors would trigger a fire alarm and send signals directly to the Fire Services Communications Centre.

The system has achieved 100 percent uptime with no false fire alarms sounding off during the pilot scheme period, as well as a component operational rate of 99.95 percent.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, division officer Simon Sze, who works on building improvement strategy and special operations, said the system would serve, from now on, as an alternative to the currently adopted fire hose reel and manual fire alarm system – which is subject to structural and space constraints.

He also said the IoT system can report suspected fire incidents quicker, helping to save lives.

"If a fire breaks out and heavy smoke accumulates, the detectors will activate after 60 seconds and trigger the reporting process, and firefighters will start to arrive at the scene," Sze said.

"As for reporting the incident manually, this is subject to different situations, such as whether the incident occurred at night when everyone is asleep, or if there is anyone in the unit.

"It is difficult to compare directly how quickly a fire will be noticed, but we believe the automatic detection system can report a fire quicker."

Sze said a fire drill, carried out as part of a performance test, showed that the system "met expectations".

In case of a malfunction, a central monitoring system is in place for all detectors via the service provider, enabling maintenance and repair work to be carried out within a short period of time, he said.

Sze said installation fees of the IoT system was about HK$200,000 per building, about one-third the cost of traditional fire-safety systems.

He also pointed out that the IoT system is also subject to yearly checks by the department and will have to follow current reporting protocols in case of a system shutdown.


Edited by Edmond Fong