Secretary for Security TK Lai says the Government appreciates the public's concern over the fire safety of mini-storage centres and will study how to amend the law to strengthen regulations.
Mr Lai told legislators today the Government will listen to views from the public and examine different legislative approaches, taking into account experiences in other jurisdictions.
The plan is to report progress to the Legislative Council as soon as practicable and to put forward legislative amendment proposals within the next session upon the council's resumption, he said.
The Government welcomes any proposals which might enhance fire safety, and the feasibility of each proposal will be carefully studied, he added.
There are over 500 mini-storages in Hong Kong which are mainly located in industrial buildings. With respect to fire safety, mini-storages must comply with the requirements on the provision of means of escape, and means of access for firefighting and rescue purposes.
The Fire Services Department is now inspecting mini-storages and similar premises to check for any breach of the existing statutory requirements and will institute prosecution against or issue Fire Hazard Abatement Notices to the people involved.
The department has also met with major operators of mini-storages in Hong Kong to ask them to take measures to improve fire safety, such as increasing security personnel, preventing storage of dangerous goods, strengthening fire prevention training for employees and ensuring the effective working order of fire service installations and equipment.
The Ngau Tak Kok fire last month was one of the biggest challenges faced by the department in recent years, Mr Lai said.
The firefighters had to deal with a complicated layout, narrow passageways and intense heat. The fact that all the cubicles were locked significantly added to the difficulty of firefighting, he added.
Mr Lai again expressed his gratitude and appreciation towards fire and ambulance personnel for their dedication and diligence in putting out the blaze.
