Fines increase four-fold for failing to comply with Fire Safety Compliance Orders

In the wake of the deadly fire that claimed five lives in Jordan last month, the government is mulling increasing penalties for owners of aging buildings who fail to comply with fire safety orders.

Acting Secretary for Security Michael Cheuk Hau-yip said on Wednesday that the government will propose to quadruple the maximum fines in July for not complying with fire safety directions and orders - from HK$25,000 to HK$100,000 for individuals and from HK$50,000 to HK$200,000 for organizations.

The proposal is to strengthen the deterrent effect, encouraging owners to comply with the requirement of the orders promptly, Cheuk added.

In order to enhance the fire safety standards of old buildings, the government is also planning to amend the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance to empower the Fire Services Department and the Buildings Department to carry out fire safety improvement works for owners who have failed to comply with the Fire Safety Compliance Orders.

For fire safety inspections, authorities will use a risk-based enforcement approach to target old and "three-nil" buildings - those without owners' corporations, residents' organizations, or property management companies.

Cheuk said the District Fire Safety Committees and Care Teams will also assist fire services personnel in conducting the fire safety patrols.