Fire Services Chief Testifies on Interagency Coordination Deficiencies in Fatal Wang Fuk Court Blaze Inquiry

Apr 24, 2026, 13:00

Introduction

The independent committee investigating the November 2025 fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which resulted in 168 fatalities, heard testimony from Fire Services Director Andy Yeung, who acknowledged historical shortcomings in interagency cooperation but asserted that current protocols delineate clear responsibilities between fire and building authorities.

Main Body

The hearing, on its 19th day, examined the statutory roles of the Fire Services Department (FSD) and building authorities regarding oversight of polystyrene panels and temporary openings at emergency staircases during renovations. Committee lead counsel Victor Dawes referenced a judicial review in which a mini-storage operator contested FSD''''s issuance of a fire hazards abatement notice, arguing the matter fell under Buildings Department jurisdiction. The court ruling affirmed FSD''''s duty to advise on fire protection measures. Yeung, the highest-ranking official to testify, stated that enhanced cooperation between the two bodies was previously necessary, but a formal division of labour now exists for construction issues. He emphasized that both departments possess statutory powers over foam boards and temporary stairwell openings, and collaboration is essential before enforcement actions. Yeung noted that FSD is pursuing legislative amendments, with a bill expected for legislative consultation next month. Operational improvements include tightened scrutiny of shutdown notices, addition of 30 emergency call lines (with 30 more pending), and a fourth-generation mobilizing system in testing. Earlier testimonies from Assistant Director Tang Wing-wah described challenges such as falling debris blocking building access and deactivated booster pumps requiring portable pumps. Deputy Director Derek Armstrong Chan defended the non-use of the Emergency Alert System, deeming it unsuitable, but conceded that a level four alarm should have been raised sooner. Committee Chairman Mr Justice David Lok Kai-hong observed that the Buildings Department may not identify all fire hazards at construction sites, implying a potential oversight gap. Yeung countered that interference between departments could cause role overlap, maintaining that FSD monitors fire installations while building authorities handle structural safety.

Conclusion

The inquiry continues to scrutinize interagency coordination and regulatory gaps exposed by the disaster, with the fire services chief advocating for clearer legislative frameworks and operational enhancements while defending existing jurisdictional boundaries.

Vocabulary Learning

abatement
The reduction or removal of a nuisance or something harmful.減輕，消除（危害）
Example:a fire hazards abatement notice was issued by FSD.
delineate
To describe or portray something precisely.詳細描述，劃定
Example:current protocols delineate clear responsibilities between fire and building authorities.
jurisdictional
Relating to the official power to make legal decisions and judgments.管轄權的
Example:The fire services chief defended existing jurisdictional boundaries.
shortcomings
Failures or deficiencies in performance or quality.缺點，不足
Example:Yeung acknowledged historical shortcomings in interagency cooperation.
statutory
Required, permitted, or enacted by statute (law).法定的，法令規定的
Example:The hearing examined the statutory roles of the Fire Services Department.

Sentence Learning

The independent committee investigating the November 2025 fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which resulted in 168 fatalities, heard testimony from Fire Services Director Andy Yeung, who acknowledged historical shortcomings in interagency cooperation but asserted that current protocols delineate clear responsibilities between fire and building authorities.
Uses two relative clauses: 'which resulted in 168 fatalities' describes the fire; 'who acknowledged...but asserted...' describes Yeung. The conjunction 'but' contrasts his acknowledgment and assertion. This structure adds detailed information without starting new sentences, making the report concise and informative.使用了兩個關係從句：「which resulted in 168 fatalities」修飾火災；「who acknowledged...but asserted...」修飾Yeung。連詞「but」對比了他的承認和主張。這種結構在不另起句子的情況下加入詳細信息，使報告簡潔且信息豐富。
Committee lead counsel Victor Dawes referenced a judicial review in which a mini-storage operator contested FSD's issuance of a fire hazards abatement notice, arguing the matter fell under Buildings Department jurisdiction.
Uses a relative clause 'in which...' to specify the judicial review. The participle phrase 'arguing the matter fell under...' adds reasoning. This structure connects the court case to the argument, showing cause and effect.使用關係從句「in which...」具體說明司法覆核。分詞短語「arguing the matter fell under...」加入理由。這種結構將法庭案件與論點聯繫起來，顯示因果關係。
Yeung, the highest-ranking official to testify, stated that enhanced cooperation between the two bodies was previously necessary, but a formal division of labour now exists for construction issues.
Appositive phrase 'the highest-ranking official to testify' provides extra info about Yeung. The contrast 'previously necessary, but now exists' uses 'but' to show change over time. This organizes the idea by highlighting a shift in cooperation.同位語短語「the highest-ranking official to testify」提供關於Yeung的額外信息。對比「previously necessary, but now exists」使用「but」顯示時間上的變化。這種結構通過強調合作上的轉變來組織觀點。
Deputy Director Derek Armstrong Chan defended the non-use of the Emergency Alert System, deeming it unsuitable, but conceded that a level four alarm should have been raised sooner.
Uses participle phrase 'deeming it unsuitable' to explain his defense. The contrast 'defended...but conceded' with 'but' shows a concession. Passive voice 'should have been raised' indicates an action that was not done. This structure presents two opposing viewpoints.使用分詞短語「deeming it unsuitable」解釋他的辯護。對比「defended...but conceded」用「but」表示讓步。被動語態「should have been raised」表示未完成的動作。這種結構呈現了兩個對立的觀點。
Yeung countered that interference between departments could cause role overlap, maintaining that FSD monitors fire installations while building authorities handle structural safety.
Uses 'while' to contrast the roles of two departments. The participle 'maintaining that...' adds his stance. This structure clearly separates responsibilities and shows simultaneous actions.使用「while」對比兩個部門的角色。分詞「maintaining that...」加入他的立場。這種結構清楚區分責任並顯示同時發生的行動。