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FSD Hong Kong Reveals Shocking Year-End Review – Fire Calls Spike in 2024!
2025-01-28
Author: Yan
FSD Hong Kong Reveals Shocking Year-End Review – Fire Calls Spike in 2024!
The Fire Services Department (FSD) in Hong Kong has released its annual report, and the numbers are alarming! In 2024, the department responded to a staggering 37,828 fire calls, marking a sharp 4.8% increase compared to the previous year. This surge includes a troubling 5,222 damaging fires—an increase of 154 incidents from 2023. Is your building safe enough?
Quick Response Saves Lives!
Impressively, the FSD reported that 95.6% of building fire calls were addressed within the graded response time, demonstrating their commitment to public safety. However, the year wasn’t without its tragedies. During a recent media session, Andy Yeung, the Director of Fire Services, recounted a harrowing No. 3 alarm fire at New Lucky House in Jordan on April 10, which sadly resulted in multiple casualties. In response to this devastating event, the department has formed a dedicated team to investigate the fire's causes meticulously.
Groundbreaking Technology in Action
Another significant incident occurred just a day prior, on April 9, when a No. 4 alarm fire erupted at a construction site on Hung Nga Road in Hung Shui Kiu. This marked the first instance of the FSD using advanced indoor locating equipment during firefighting operations. This technology allows for real-time monitoring of firefighters’ locations and enhances their safety, which could mean the difference between life and death during a rescue operation.
Impressive Inspection Numbers and Proactive Measures
Revealing the scope of their preventative work, Yeung shared that the FSD conducted approximately 460,400 inspections over the past year, issuing a total of 17,775 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices. Alarmingly, 4,967 cases went to prosecution, indicating a serious stance on fire safety compliance.
In light of the New Lucky House fire, the FSD proactively inspected about 1,000 old composite buildings that are considered at higher fire risk, completing around 8,200 inspections. More than half of the notices issued were related to smoke stop door violations—issues that could significantly hamper evacuation efforts during a fire.
Future Improvements on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the FSD announced plans to enhance the efficiency of fire service installations and equipment inspections. By March 2025, the department will establish a One-stop Co-ordination Office designed to streamline the acceptance inspection process, aiming to reduce the average time required for these inspections to just 35 working days.
In a bid to further bolster fire safety in older buildings, the FSD has revised the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance, which took effect on December 13 last year. The amendments focus on stricter penalties and a new defaulted works mechanism to ensure that older structures comply with modern fire safety standards.
Stay Safe, Stay Aware!
The findings from the FSD’s year-end review underscore the critical importance of fire safety awareness in our communities. With soaring fire calls and a proactive approach to inspections and regulations, one thing is clear: ensuring that your home or workplace is fire safe has never been more urgent! Are you prepared?