Fire safety amendment bill gazetted as Chris Tang aims to enhance building safety

The Fire Safety (Buildings) (Amendment) Bill 2024 was gazetted today (July 5), with its first reading and commencement of the second reading debate scheduled for next Wednesday, July 10.

The proposed amendments would empower the enforcement authority to carry out fire safety improvement works for owners of target buildings who have failed to comply with "directions" or "fire safety orders."

Secretary for Security Chris Tang expressed on social media his hope to expedite the legislative process to comprehensively enhance the fire safety of old buildings and create a safe living environment for citizens.

Tang noted in a review of the Security Bureau's work on fire safety that improving fire safety has always been a societal concern, especially regarding old buildings.

In response, the Security Bureau completed a public consultation on the amendments to the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance in September 2022. Additionally, the Fire Services Department officially established the Fire Services Department Building Improvement Support Centre at the end of last year, providing one-stop support services to owners of old buildings to enhance building safety, Tang said.