China launches fire safety inspections after HK blaze

Following a deadly fire in Hong Kong that killed at least 128 people, China announced a comprehensive inspection of fire safety standards in high-rise buildings across the country to prevent a similar disaster on the mainland.

In its statement, the Ministry of Emergency Management said that special attention will be paid to buildings with exterior wall renovation and interior renovation.

“We must comprehensively strengthen the fire safety management of high-rise buildings to effectively protect people’s lives and property,” the ministry said.

It was stated that the Council of State Occupational Safety Committee issued a notification to local authorities about initiating an inspection.

Chinese authorities remain sensitive to events affecting social stability following a devastating fire in China’s Xinjiang region in 2022 that killed 10 people and triggered nationwide protests over strict COVID-19 restrictions.

The Hong Kong fire poses a major test of Beijing’s grip on the city, and Beijing is moving quickly to show that it attaches utmost importance to the tragedy.

The announcement of the inspection campaign outlines four key inspection areas, including inspection of flammable materials used in external wall insulation systems, prohibited construction materials such as bamboo scaffolding, fire safety equipment and emergency evacuation routes.

According to the notice, local authorities are required to conduct comprehensive inspections and take “immediate corrective measures” when safety hazards are detected.

“Strict enforcement measures will be taken against serious violations, and those who fail to eliminate major safety hazards will be held accountable,” the emergency ministry said. he said.

A fire that started in Hong Kong on Wednesday quickly engulfed seven of the eight 32-storey blocks in an apartment complex that was being renovated with bamboo scaffolding and foam insulation materials.