FSD conducts special fire safety inspection and enforcement operation
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In regulating the fire safety of licensed premises such as restaurants, the FSD specifies relevant fire safety requirements to licence applicants and conducts inspections to ensure that the premises comply with applicable fire safety standards. Nevertheless, inadequate management of buildings and individual premises may give rise to potential fire hazards, for example, smoke stop doors being wedged open, means of escape (MoE) being obstructed or locked, the depositing of combustible articles in MoE, or fire service installation or equipment (FSIs) not being kept in efficient working order. In addition, commercial buildings housing a large number of licensed premises have higher fire risks than ordinary buildings, as these establishments are more crowded.
Anticipating a significant increase in the number of people visiting commercial buildings with a higher number of licensed premises, the FSD targeted 132 such commercial buildings and conducted a territory-wide special fire safety inspection and enforcement operation. A total of 376 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices were issued for various fire hazards, and 53 prosecutions were initiated. Among the 132 buildings, 57 were suspected of lacking annual inspections for FSIs. The FSD has followed up in a serious manner and will implement enforcement action for any irregularities identified.
In addition to inspections and enforcement, the fire personnel also carried out fire prevention publicity and education during the operation to raise the fire safety awareness among property owners and the public, with a view to preventing fire incidents.
To further strengthen fire safety management of these types of commercial buildings and enhance fire safety awareness among property owners and the public, the FSD will enhance communication with the Property Management Services Authority, the Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies Limited and other relevant stakeholders to introduce targeted regulatory and publicity measures. This collaboration aims to reinforce the partnership between the Government and the property management sector, ensuring that the FSIs in commercial buildings are properly kept in efficient working order. It also encourages building owners, tenants and property management agents to uphold sound building management practices and eliminate fire hazards.
Through concerted efforts and information sharing, the department aims to jointly foster a robust fire safety culture with all parties and contribute to a safer and more reliable community.
Ends/Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:32
Issued at HKT 20:32
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