Chief Executive CY Leung has thanked Hong Kong's firefighters for their dedication and sacrifice in the protection of peoples' lives and property, saying he is proud of them.
Mr Leung signed the condolence book at Kwun Tong Fire Station today, paying tribute to the two firemen who died in the Ngau Tau Kok blaze.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, he said the Fire Services Department has made every effort to extinguish the fire with the support and assistance of other departments, and he applauded their work.
He said he is confident in the department's professionalism in carrying out its duties and called on the public to support their efforts.
Mr Leung noted that many citizens have been saddened to see firemen entering the dangerous fire scene and getting hurt or killed, and that they have suggested letting the fire burn.
However, the burning industrial building is close to two residential buildings and the blaze could spread to them if not stopped, he said.
On structural safety, Mr Leung said Buildings Department experts will monitor the situation round-the-clock and report to the media, adding the assessment so far is that the structure is sound.
