Beijing inspects high-rise building fire risk following Tai Po blaze

Beijing has launched an "investigation and rectification campaign" to detect major fire risks in high-rise buildings, which is expected to last until March of next year, following Hong Kong's deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze.

It is reported by mainland media that the citywide campaign focuses on occupied and active high-rise residential buildings, as well as construction sites.

A total of 180 residential fires were recorded in Beijing in November, with no fatalities. Among them, 64 fires occurred in high-rise residential buildings, and from the perspective of the ignition locations, fires in kitchens accounted for the highest proportion.

The fire authorities indicated that the leading causes of residential fires are related to careless use of fire by residents, electrical circuit faults, and smoking in bed.

The Work Safety Committee of China's State Council has also issued a notice deploying a campaign to identify and address major fire risks in high-rise and public buildings on November 29.

Particular attention will be paid to supervising high-rise buildings currently undergoing external wall renovations or internal partial refurbishments.