China launches nationwide campaign against fire hazards in high-rise buildings
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The inferno – Hong Kong’s worst in decades – sent shock waves through the city.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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Beijing – China announced on Nov 29 a sweeping inspection of fire-safety standards in high-rise buildings nationwide after a deadly fire in Hong Kong left at least 128 people dead
The campaign is meant to prevent any comparable disaster on the mainland.
Special attention will be given to buildings undergoing external wall renovations and interior modifications, the Ministry of Emergency Management said in a statement.
“We must comprehensively strengthen fire safety management of high-rise buildings to effectively protect people’s lives and property,” the ministry said.
The State Council Work Safety Committee has issued a notice to the local authorities launching the inspection, it said.
The inferno – Hong Kong’s worst in decades – sent shock waves through the financial hub, which has some of the world’s most densely populated and tallest residential blocks.
Fire rapidly engulfed seven of eight 32-storey blocks at an apartment complex undergoing renovation with bamboo scaffolding and foam insulation materials.
The announcement of the inspection campaign outlines four key inspection areas, including scrutiny of flammable materials used in external wall insulation systems, banned construction materials such as bamboo scaffolding
The local authorities must conduct thorough inspections and take “immediate corrective actions” when safety hazards are identified, according to the emergency ministry’s statement.
“Strict enforcement measures will be taken against serious violations, and those failing to eliminate major safety hazards will be held accountable,” it said.
The Chinese authorities remain sensitive to incidents affecting social stability, following a devastating blaze in China’s Xinjiang region
The Hong Kong fire poses a major test to Beijing’s grip on the city, and Beijing is moving quickly to show that it attaches the utmost importance to the tragedy. REUTERS, AFP
