Wang Fuk Court fire inquiry: fire services official admits no extra surprise inspections
發佈日期: 2026-04-10 19:58
TVB News
At the independent committee inquiry into the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, government officials took the stand for the first time.
An Assistant Director at the Fire Services Department says the property management company unlawfully turned off the main electrical switch for the fire water pump.
But the official also admits no additional surprise inspections were conducted -- despite increased risks during renovation works.
Testifying under the guidance of senior legal counsel Victor Dawes, Assistant Director of Fire Services Keung Sai-ming says the fire water tank was installed on the rooftop.
He stressed that the higher the building, the more vital the fire system becomes.
Keung says if one only wanted to stop using the water stored in the fire water tank, switching off the pump is enough -- rather than turning off the entire power supply for the pump.
A property management employee earlier says they switched off the pump's main power under the request of maintenance contractor. Keung called it a serious mistake and gross negligence.
Keung says it is illegal for property management companies to handle fire systems themselves, and it is extremely rare for non-registered persons to do so.
Keung reveals the department plans to increase relevant penalties to strengthen deterrence and has suggested legislative amendments, requiring prior approval from the Fire Services Department before any contractor shuts down a fire system.
As one of the fire contractors for Wang Fuk Court submitted the fire system shutdown notice but did not send personnel to inspect on site, Keung says this constitutes a false declaration and violates the law, noting that the contractor must personally oversee any shutdown of fire systems.
Keung says if they receive fire equipment-related complaints, the department will undertake surprise inspections.
But for tests involving alarm systems or sprinklers, prior notice may be given -- so as to not startle the residents.
For Wang Fuk Court, Keung admits the department had not increased surprise inspection frequencies -- despite the ongoing maintenance works.
They have planned to introduce contingency measures such as deploying additional patrols by local fire stations.
He also admits under the current system, the department assumes other fire installations not mentioned in the notice are functioning properly.
That means enforcement relies heavily on the honesty and accuracy of contractors' reports.
