Tang says new fire-safety measures already introduced
Bastillepost · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago5 MIN
Summary
Security Secretary Chris Tang Ping-keung (鄧炳強) said the government has already introduced new administrative measures over the past year to tackle major fires and issues involving fire service installations, and plans to follow up with a series of legislative reforms. He spoke after the independent committee investigating the Tai Po Hong Fuk Court fire submitted its report to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu (李家超), amid questions over whether government departments including the Fire Services Department could be criticised in the report.
Key Points
- The independent committee on the Hong Fuk Court fire in Tai Po submitted its report to Chief Executive John Lee on Friday, 23 October 2026.
- Speaking on a radio programme, Tang said the government had launched new administrative measures in the past year targeting major fires and fire service installation problems.
- Tang said a series of legislative reforms would be introduced in stages, with the aim of improving the overall situation and strengthening fire safety.
- He said the Fire Services Department had accepted a “backstop responsibility”, meaning it would follow up any fire-related complaint even if another department was formally responsible.
- Tang said the Chief Executive had made clear that accountability would be pursued to the end, regardless of which individuals were found responsible.
Why It Matters
The remarks indicate the government is preparing both administrative and legal follow-up after the Hong Fuk Court fire report, while signalling that interdepartmental gaps in handling fire-related complaints should no longer leave residents without a response. They also set expectations that any findings on responsibility in the report could lead to further action by the administration.