DAB calls for IoT fire detection system pilot scheme expansion to high-rise buildings

The Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) on Tuesday called for expanding the Fire Services Department’s Pilot Scheme of IoT Fire Detection System to include high-rise buildings and add features such as alerts for malfunctioning fire alarms to enhance fire safety.

Speaking to the media today, lawmaker Elizabeth Quat Pei-fan pointed out that the current pilot scheme covers only buildings six stories or lower.

She proposed extending it to high-rise buildings and incorporating detection of critical issues, including malfunctioning fire alarms, empty fire hoses, and smoke doors that remain open frequently.

Immediate alerts should be sent to management offices and residents’ mobile apps for prompt response.

Beyond fire sprinkler systems, Quat recommended adding automatic gas or water mist fire suppression devices that activate upon fire detection.

The pilot scheme aims to install IoT fire detection systems and fire extinguishers in old buildings six stories or lower, thereby exempting these older structures from the need to install large-scale fire safety equipment such as fire hose reels.  

Quat also urged the government to develop a geo-blockchain-based platform to track construction material origins and maintain tamper-proof records, including Owners’ Corporation meeting minutes, to reduce fraud risks.

Separately, Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors Vice President and Smart City Consortium Green Committee Vice Chairman Paul Tsui Hoi-yuen noted that the government has collaborated with the IT sector to create an online platform for the “one social worker per household” initiative to verify resident data.

Tsui suggested integrating a 3D map model into the platform to link background information of affected units and residents, enabling social workers to better understand neighbor relationships and community networks.