【深度】失控之火：复盘香港大埔火灾24小时

Core Points - The fire at Hong Kong's Hongfu Garden on November 26 has raised significant concerns, marking the first level 5 fire alarm since the 2008 Mong Kok fire [2][3] - The incident resulted in 55 fatalities and 72 injuries, with extensive firefighting efforts involving 304 fire and rescue vehicles [3][4] - Investigations are ongoing regarding the cause of the fire, with suspicions surrounding the building's construction materials and safety compliance [21][22] Fire Incident Overview - The fire started around 3 PM on November 26 and quickly escalated, leading to a level 5 fire alarm by the evening [19] - The fire spread rapidly due to the presence of scaffolding and construction materials that may not have met fire safety standards [21][23] - Eyewitness accounts describe the fire as intense and rapidly spreading from one building to another [2][10] Emergency Response - The Hong Kong government has opened nine emergency shelters, accommodating over 500 residents affected by the fire [4][8] - Emergency services received 341 calls for help and managed to handle 279 cases within the first 24 hours [3] - The ongoing rescue operations have faced challenges due to the fire's resurgence in certain areas [4][13] Construction and Safety Concerns - The buildings involved were undergoing extensive renovations, which may have contributed to the fire's rapid spread [15][18] - The use of bamboo scaffolding, while traditional, has raised safety concerns due to its flammability compared to metal scaffolding [25][29] - The Hong Kong government is considering transitioning to metal scaffolding to enhance safety standards in future construction projects [29] Investigative Actions - Authorities have arrested three individuals associated with the construction company for suspected manslaughter [22] - The investigation will focus on the compliance of construction materials with fire safety regulations and the overall management of the renovation project [21][24] - The Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption has announced a special task force to investigate potential corruption related to the renovation works [24]