Causeway Bay Building Fire Draws Mainland Firefighters for Cross-border Exchange Observing HK Fire Crews
HK01 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A fire broke out in a residential unit on the ninth floor of Hennessy Building at 488-490 Hennessy Road in Causeway Bay at 10:58 AM on Tuesday. The Hong Kong Fire Services Department deployed 12 fire engines and three ambulances, deploying one hose line and one smoke team to combat the blaze . The fire was extinguished at 12:04 PM, approximately one hour after the first emergency call . During the incident, at least 13 firefighters from the Guangdong Fire Rescue Corps arrived at the scene wearing red helmets and black fire-resistant gear marked "China Fire Guangdong General Team" . Hong Kong firefighters escorted the mainland personnel to observe their firefighting operations at the scene .
Key Points
- The five-day Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Cross-border Firefighting Exchange Programme runs from August 24 to 28, organised by the Fire Services Department .
- During the exchange, mainland and Macau firefighters observe Hong Kong firefighting operations at real emergency scenes and learn about local building fire safety systems .
- Police and firefighters evacuated residents to Hysan Plaza for safety; some evacuees brought their pet dogs with them during the evacuation .
- Persian Street between Lockhart Road and Russell Street remained closed due to the fire; Happy Valley tram services were suspended .
- Cross-harbour bus routes 108 and 117 were rerouted, with the Transport Department advising motorists to use alternative routes .
Why It Matters
The incident provided a practical learning opportunity for the cross-border firefighting exchange programme, allowing mainland and Macau firefighters to observe Hong Kong's emergency response capabilities in action . The Fire Services Department stated it will continue working closely with fire teams from both sides to enhance emergency rescue coordination in the Greater Bay Area and ensure public safety .
The incident provided a practical learning opportunity for the cross-border firefighting exchange programme, allowing mainland and Macau firefighters to observe Hong Kong's emergency response capabilities in action . The Fire Services Department stated it will continue working closely with fire teams from both sides to enhance emergency rescue coordination in the Greater Bay Area and ensure public safety .