Hong Kong Inquiry Reveals Outdated Guidelines Hindered Fire Risk Detection in Tai Po Blaze

A public inquiry in Hong Kong has revealed that government surveyors did not detect major fire risks at a subsidised housing complex in Tai Po because they followed outdated guidelines. These guidelines did not require in-person inspections of renovation works, according to testimony presented to the independent committee.

The committee heard that illegal alterations to the complex's emergency passages during an exterior overhaul could have been identified earlier if authorities had updated instructions for inspecting minor construction works promptly. Officials also demonstrated an inconsistent understanding of inspection rules and relevant legal provisions.

During the hearing, a surveyor rejected a colleague's claim that the use of polyfoam material in renovation works was unregulated. The estate was under the oversight of an independent checking unit, as outlined in a memorandum of understanding. The fire on November 26 affected seven of the eight towers at the housing estate, resulting in 168 deaths and the displacement of nearly 5,000 people.

This incident marked the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since 1948.

Sessions of the inquiry disclosed multiple fire hazards present during the renovation project at the complex. These included the use of substandard scaffolding mesh and polyfoam boards, as well as temporary openings created at emergency staircases.