Fire tragedy triggers demands for smoke alarms in below-par Hong Kong structures
In the heart of North Point, a tragic fire at the Mido Apartments building on King's Road claimed a life over the weekend. The blaze has sparked concerns about the fire safety measures in the building, with lawmaker Edward Leung Hei, representing the Hong Kong Island East constituency, raising questions about the building's fire doors, windows, and fire-resistant panels.
Leung stated that these elements of the Mido Apartments were substandard, but did not specify which government body he was referring to when suggesting increased patrols and fire safety improvements. The Fire Services Department (FSD) in Hong Kong is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the installation of smoke detectors in old buildings when owners apply for fire safety subsidy schemes as a temporary measure.
The Mido Apartments building has applied for the Fire Safety Improvement Works Subsidy Scheme, which offers to subsidize up to 60% of the cost of making fire safety improvements and related consultancy fees. However, the owners' corporation is still deciding on key details, such as which contractor to appoint, for the Fire Safety Improvement Works. The building has not yet started these works.
Investigations by firefighters revealed a "badly burnt" electrical meter in a tenant's home at the Mido Apartments building. Leung did not mention any specific fire safety improvements at the entrances and corridors of the building, or any potential benefits or drawbacks of his proposals for the safety of tenants in subdivided flats. He also did not specify the timeline for implementing the proposed fire safety improvements.
Leung proposed that fire safety improvements, including the installation of smoke detectors, could be implemented before the completion of other fire safety improvement works. He also suggested that the government could step up patrols at the entrances and corridors of subdivided flats. However, he did not mention any resistance or opposition to his proposals from the owners' corporation or any other stakeholders.
The tragic fire at the Mido Apartments serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety, particularly in older buildings. Leung's proposals, while not without their challenges, could potentially help to improve the safety of tenants in subdivided flats and other similar buildings in Hong Kong.
