Following a devastating fire in Hong Kong that killed 128 people, China has announced a nationwide inspection of fire safety standards in high-rise buildings. The campaign aims to prevent similar tragedies on the mainland. According to China’s Ministry of Emergency Management, special attention will be given to buildings undergoing external wall renovations or interior modifications.
The State Council Work Safety Committee has issued a notice directing local authorities to carry out the inspections. The campaign focuses on four key areas: the use of flammable materials in external wall insulation, prohibited construction materials such as bamboo scaffolding, fire safety equipment, and emergency evacuation routes.
Local authorities are required to conduct thorough inspections and take immediate corrective actions if safety hazards are identified. The Hong Kong fire, which broke out on Wednesday, rapidly spread through seven of the eight 32-storey blocks at an apartment complex undergoing renovation with bamboo scaffolding and foam insulation materials.
