Editorial丨Lessons of HK fire tragedy must be learn

The devastating fire that swept through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, on Wednesday, causing heavy casualties, marks one of the most tragic incidents in the SAR's recent history. The catastrophe has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols in high-density urban environments like Hong Kong.本周三席卷香港特别行政区大埔宏福苑住宅群、造成重大人员伤亡的火灾，是香港近年来最为惨烈的事故之一。这场灾难凸显出：在香港这样高度密集的城市环境中，全面审视并升级现行安全措施已迫在眉睫。President Xi Jinping immediately extended his condolences to the families of the victims and expressed his sympathy to those affected by the disaster on Wednesday. He urged the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong SAR to support the SAR government in making every effort to put out the fire, carry out search and rescue operations, treat the injured, and provide post-disaster support. Xi also demanded that relevant departments and localities provide necessary assistance to the SAR government to strive to minimize the casualties and losses.习近平主席在事故发生当天立即向遇难者家属致以深切慰问，并对受灾群众表示关怀。他要求中共中央港澳工作办公室及中央政府驻港联络办公室全力支持特区政府灭火、搜救、救治伤者以及做好灾后支援工作。同时，他要求相关部门和地方对特区政府给予必要协助，尽最大努力减少人员伤亡和损失。This underscores the deep concern of the central government for the well-being of Hong Kong people, and is a reminder that the central authorities are always ready to stand behind the SAR and offer a helping hand whenever it is in need.这充分体现了中央对香港市民福祉的深切牵挂，也再次表明：每当香港需要时，中央政府都会坚定地作为后盾、伸出援手。The SAR government, led by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, has fully mobilized resources to extinguish the fire, carry out rescue operations, treat the injured, and provide assistance and emotional support to families. A full investigation is also being carried out. The arrest of three individuals from a construction company in connection with the fire signals a commitment to accountability.在行政长官李家超的领导下，特区政府已全面动员资源投入灭火、救援、救治伤者，以及为受影响家庭提供各类支援与心理安抚。同时，一项全面调查正在进行中。警方拘捕涉事建筑公司的三名人员，也显示出特区当局追究责任的决心。The tragedy should serve as a catalyst for reevaluating building safety standards and construction practices, particularly the use of bamboo scaffolding, which is still a common practice in Hong Kong, as this facilitated the rapid spread of the fire. There have been at least three fires involving bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong this year, according to the SAR's Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims.这场悲剧也应成为重新审视建筑安全标准和施工方式的契机，尤其是香港仍普遍使用的竹架棚，其存在加速了火势蔓延。根据特区“工伤权益协会”的数据，今年以来香港至少发生三起与竹棚架相关的火灾。The government's earlier decision to phase out bamboo scaffolding in public projects is a step in the right direction, but this policy needs to be accelerated and expanded to include all construction projects in the city.特区政府此前决定在公共工程中逐步淘汰竹棚架，此举方向正确，但相关措施亟需加快推进，并扩大至全市所有工程项目。Furthermore, the incident raises questions about the fire resistance of materials used in building exteriors. It is suspected that some of the materials on the exterior walls of the high-rise buildings did not meet current fire resistance standards, enabling the fire to spread unusually fast. This calls for an urgent review and, if necessary, a tightening and enforcing of building codes to ensure that all major materials used in construction are noncombustible and can withstand high temperatures.此外，这次事故也引发对外墙材料耐火性能的质疑。有迹象显示，高层建筑部分外墙材料可能未达到现行防火标准，致使火势异常迅速蔓延。亟需对相关建筑规范进行全面审查，并在必要时进一步严格标准与执行，确保主要建筑材料具备阻燃性和高耐热性。Incorporating fire safety into new developments and restoration work is also essential. This includes the installation of sprinkler systems, and the implementation of smoke detection technologies in both new and existing structures. Urban planners should also consider fire safety in the design of public spaces, ensuring that there are adequate escape routes, clear signage and accessible fire hydrants.在新建及翻新工程中系统性纳入消防安全同样至关重要，包括增设喷水灭火系统、配置烟雾探测技术，并确保新旧建筑都符合安全要求。城市规划中也应把消防安全纳入设计原则，确保公共空间具备足够的逃生通道、清晰的指示标识以及便利可达的消防栓等设施。Creating safe urban spaces requires a proactive and collaborative approach in which all stakeholders are committed to prioritizing safety and well-being. By being prepared, cities can better protect their communities from the devastating impacts of fires and other emergencies.建设安全城市需要积极、协同的治理方式，要求所有相关方都将公共安全和市民福祉置于优先位置。只有提前做好准备，城市才能更好地抵御火灾等突发事件带来的破坏。So in addition to these structural and regulatory considerations, there is a need for enhanced public awareness and preparedness. Community engagement initiatives can help build a culture of safety and vigilance, and fire drills and safety education can empower residents to respond more effectively to such emergencies.因此，除了制度和工程层面的改善之外，也必须提升公众的安全意识与应急准备。通过加强社区参与、建立安全文化、组织消防演练及普及安全教育，可使居民在面对紧急情况时具备更有效的应对能力。As Hong Kong mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, it is crucial to channel collective grief into action. By strengthening safety regulations, updating construction practices, and enhancing emergency preparedness, the city can honor the memory of those who lost their lives and build a safer future for all its residents.在香港哀悼逝者、应对灾后局面的时刻，更应把悲痛转化为行动动力。通过强化安全监管、更新建筑实践、提升应急准备，香港才能真正告慰逝者，并为所有市民打造一个更安全的未来。bamboo scaffolding竹棚架fire resistance standards耐火标准/防火标准noncombustible materials不燃材料sprinkler systems自动喷水灭火系统smoke detection technologies烟雾探测技术