速度之快、伤亡之惨重，香港火灾之痛是“老龄住宅”更新之鉴

Core Viewpoint - The recent fire at Hong Kong's Mong Fuk Court, the largest in 17 years, highlights significant safety concerns in urban renewal projects, particularly in aging residential areas [1]. Group 1: Incident Overview - The fire escalated to a level five alarm within four hours, resulting in severe casualties and raising concerns about urban safety during renewal processes [1]. - Mong Fuk Court, a public housing estate over 42 years old, is undergoing major renovations, reflecting the challenges of maintaining safety in high-density living environments [1]. Group 2: Urban Renewal and Safety - Urban renewal aims to enhance livability and safety through maintenance, reconstruction, and improved public facilities, with safety being a fundamental priority [2]. - The aging of residential buildings, coupled with an increasing elderly population, poses significant challenges for cities, necessitating a focus on safety in urban renewal efforts [1][2]. Group 3: Safety Aspects - Material Safety: Building materials must meet fire-resistant and environmental standards to prevent fire risks. The use of bamboo scaffolding, while cost-effective, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire due to its flammability [4]. - Process Safety: A strict construction oversight and risk warning mechanism is essential during long renovation periods. The ongoing renovations at Mong Fuk Court, which are set to continue until mid-2026, present inherent safety risks [5]. - Result Safety: Long-term safety resilience must be established to address existing hazards and respond to emergencies. The tragic fire underscores the need for a safety-first approach in urban renewal, prompting potential policy changes in construction practices [5].