Lessons from Loss: United for Recovery

Last week, the No. 5 alarm fire in Tai Po claimed multiple lives, including firefighters who sacrificed themselves during the rescue. This tragedy has deeply saddened the entire Hong Kong community. On behalf of the Construction Industry Council, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to all the injured and the families of the deceased, wishing them strength and support during this difficult time. I also wish to express sincere gratitude to all firefighters, Community Care Teams, volunteers, and kind-hearted individuals who donated supplies. Your selfless contributions examplify the spirit of care and compassion that defines Hong Kong in times of adversity.

A Sobering Reminder

Although investigation is still on going, the devastating scenes have already taught us painful lessons. Fires not only destroy homes but also take lives, reminding us of the critical importance of safety management—especially in the construction industry. The HKSAR Government has swiftly launched rescue and follow-up actions, including inspections of all large-scale maintenance sites across Hong Kong to ensure scaffolding and building materials comply with safety standards. These immediate measures are essential because even a single oversight can lead to irreversible consequences.

Industry Responsibility: Immediate Safety Review

The construction sector must approach safety issues with our utmost rigor. The CIC recommends that all sites, regardless of size, conduct a comprehensive safety review immediately. This includes ensuring materials meet fire prevention and safety standards, prohibit the use of flammable materials, such as foam, and adopt non-flammable mineral foam or metal formwork which are both commercially available. Sites should also review current work procedures to eliminate potential fire hazards, and strengthen fire protection systems and emergency plans. Dynamic risk assessments during construction are also indispensable—risks must be continuously evaluated and promptly addressed.

Safety awareness must be embedded in every detail. Sites should ensure workers receive regular fire drills so they can respond calmly in emergencies. Workers should also refrain from smoking within the site area which would beneficial to site safety and their own health. Implementing no-smoking policy on sites would further underscore the site’s commitment to safety. These measures may seem basic, but negligence often leads to disaster. We must constantly remind ourselves: safety is always the top priority.

CIC’s Support Actions

Although the fire is extinguished, recovery is a long-term effort. We will continue to unite the industry, organise volunteer teams to help victims rebuild their homes, and provide essential supplies and technical support so they can start anew. The CIC has immediately issued a safety alert on fire safety at construction sites to remind contractors to promptly review and ensure that fire safety measures at construction sites are adequate.

The Development Bureau and industry representatives convened immediately and agreed upon the gradual adoption of metal scaffolds under suitable worksite conditions. I urge all contractors to start working on the switch of material to reassure the public and enhance construction safety. At the same time, we are actively preparing relevant safety guidelines on metal scaffolding to support the industry in transitioning to the adoption of metal scaffolding for suitable Repair, Maintenance, Addition, and Alteration works.

Mental Health Matters Too

Disasters affect not only victims but also the public, potentially causing psychological trauma. If you experience stress reactions or emotional distress after witnessing the fire—or suspect you may have PTSD—please do not suffer alone. Share your feelings with trusted family or friends and seek help from professionals or counselling services when needed. Maintaining physical and mental health is equally important: moderate exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting exposure to disaster news are effective ways to reduce stress.

Building a Safety Culture Together

This fire reminds us once again that safety is not a slogan—it must be implemented in every detail. The construction industry does not only build city but also safeguard the lives of every worker and citizen. Moving forward, the CIC will strengthen collaboration with the government and the industry to promote stringent safety standards and foster a “Life First” culture through training, publicity, and monitoring.