The fire that occurred in the Hong Kong residential building caused significant concern throughout the city, resulting in an immediate Emergency Response. As this was a fire in Hong Kong involving a Hong Kong apartment fire inside a high-density block, it quickly drew attention across the region. Subject to a rapid Emergency Response due to being located in a densely populated area within the city, this incident attracted considerable public attention due to excessive smoke rising from several levels of the building, similar to other Hong Kong high rise fires, creating a tremendous amount of anxiety for residents attempting to leave the building. Some eyewitnesses even compared the situation to recent Hong Kong fire incidents involving fire Hong Kong skyscraper cases.
Emergency Responders were on scene within minutes to support residents impacted by the fire and provide assistance to Firefighters extinguishing the fire, as well as providing transportation to the injured via ambulance. Their response was similar to the swift action taken during the Hong Kong Tai Po fire and other Tai Po fire events witnessed earlier this year.
Cause of Fire
At this time, it appears that the fire may have originated from an electrical fault within an apartment; however, investigations are ongoing with investigators looking at all possible sources of evidence, including CCTV footage, and interviewing witnesses. On completion of their Investigation, Fire Investigation Specialists from the Fire Services Department are expected to release a full report detailing the source of the fire and other relevant aspects of the Investigation. This is standard procedure for major Hong Kong high rise fire incidents.
The Story of the Operation to Rescue People
The rescue mission worked over multiple stages.
PROFESSIONALIZATION
Police officers responded quickly to emergency calls and arrived with police units, fire engines, and ambulances shortly thereafter. The police worked to create a border from the danger using barricades and to assist people away from the danger. Large-scale responses like this are typical when dealing with fire Hong Kong skyscraper emergencies or major Hong Kong high rise fires.
ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE GETTING OUT
The firefighters used breathing equipment and ladders to assist those unable to leave from upper floors. Some residents were rescued from hallways filled with smoke, and others from balconies. This type of operation is common during intense Hong Kong apartment fire situations where smoke spreads rapidly through high-rise structures.
STEP TWO: PROVIDE MEDICAL CARE
Paramedics treated 18-20 patients for smoke inhalation. Most critically injured patients were transported to local hospitals, and subsequently authorities verified that most patients had stable conditions after receiving treatment.
PREVENTIVE STEPS BY HONG KONG AUTHORITIES
Authorities in Hong Kong took several immediate preventive measures to prevent additional destruction, including:
AFTER MOISTURE VIKING
-Cutting power to the affected block, which will not cause further hazards.
-Inspection teams dispatched to check building safety.
-Providing temporary lodging to displaced people.
-Changing vehicle routes, in order to clear the roads for rescue vehicles.
-Providing psychological services for families who lost relatives.
The authorities have advised residents in the vicinity to be careful and not to return to the building until they have been given the all clear. These precautionary steps are consistent with past responses seen during Hong Kong Tai Po fire incidents and other significant tai po fire events.
Eyewitnesses report that as soon as they heard the first of the cracklings, the smoke began to spread rapidly down the hallways. Many eyewitnesses describe how the smoke quickly consumed the hall of the building, creating difficulty in being able to exit the structure. This rapid spread of smoke is a known risk in Hong Kong high rise fire cases, particularly in older residential blocks.
The Fire Services Department of Hong Kong has called on the public to practice fire safety awareness following an incident that occurred recently. Authorities are also emphasising the importance of carrying out regular electrical safety checks and using household appliances safely. It is essential to perform regular maintenance on your electrical installations to reduce the likelihood of fire emergencies occurring in high-rise buildings something stressed often after recent fire in Hong Kong and Hong Kong fire cases across the city.