An inter-departmental working group held its first meeting today to discuss short, medium and long-term measures to enhance fire safety at mini-storage centres and similar premises.
The Government said it is very concerned about the Ngau Tau Kok fire in which two firemen died.
The Fire Services Department, the Buildings Department, the Lands Department and the Labour Department will inspect all mini-storage centres and similar premises for any breach of the law from tomorrow.
Inspections will first target mini-storages in industrial buildings without automatic sprinkler systems. Departments will take enforcement action as soon as possible if there is any non-compliance.
The Fire Services Department will issue abatement notices if fire hazards are identified and will ask operators to remove fire hazards.
The Buildings Department will issue orders for removal of unauthorised building works.
The Fire Services Department and other departments will order mini-storage operators to take all possible management measures to improve fire safety, including increasing the number of security personnel, preventing storage of dangerous goods and strengthening fire prevention training for employees.
The working group will next discuss how to amend the law to strengthen the regulation of mini-storages.
