John Lee orders reforms to fire safety laws

Chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the SAR government is actively taking measures to enhance fire safety in the city in response to the fatal Jordan blaze that killed five, with various departments requested to review and establish priority handling procedures for fire safety matters while strengthening law enforcement efforts.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the weekly Executive Council meeting, Lee said the Fire Services Department and the Buildings Department have been instructed to enhance enforcement efficiency, including streamlining procedures to improve the effectiveness and speed of prosecution of illegal building works or fire hazards.

Meanwhile, Lee said the government is mulling law amendments to allow authorities to intervene in cases where buildings fail to comply with Fire Safety Improvement Directions.

The relevant improvement works will be handled promptly by authorities, with the cost to be recovered from the building owner. Law amendments will also see the fine increased for non-compliance with such directions, Lee added.

It is understood that a bill to increase penalties for fire safety violations will be drafted in two to three months, before being submitted to the city’s legislature this year.

The Hong Kong leader emphasized that building safety and maintenance are the responsibilities of the owners.

He said authorities will employ various methods, including subsidized programs, to assist owners in carrying out the building repairs.

He also noted that acts to profit from such matters of life and death are unacceptable.

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