Key facts
- Hong Kong's Fire Services Department is extending a smart fire alarm system scheme to 6,000 more old buildings.
- No smart fire alarm installations have been completed since the policy began over five months ago for 3,600 blocks.
- 300 buildings have expressed interest in installing the smart system.
- The department extended "Operation Outpost" to two years to inspect an additional 5,000 older buildings.
- During Operation Outpost, fire alarm systems in 53 buildings were found to violate regulations.
- Over 2,500 fire hazard abatement notices were issued, and legal proceedings were initiated against 75 owners.
Hong Kong's Fire Services Department is expanding its initiative to allow property owners in older buildings to install smart fire alarm systems instead of traditional safety equipment. The scheme, initially rolled out for 3,600 blocks over five months ago, will now extend to an additional 6,000 buildings. However, no installations have yet been completed.
Lai Kin-mo, acting deputy chief fire officer for building improvement, stated on Wednesday that approximately 300 buildings have shown interest in adopting the smart system, which is designed to send alerts. The department also announced an extension of its "Operation Outpost" to two years, aiming to inspect an additional 5,000 older buildings.
During the initial phase of Operation Outpost, investigators identified fire alarm system violations in 53 buildings. Law Kin-san, acting senior divisional officer (policy), noted that common causes of fire alarm failures included signal problems on control boards, aging fuses, electrical system issues, and faulty wiring or starting components like push buttons or alarm bells. Many systems also lacked required annual inspections.