香港大火为老旧楼宇敲响警钟，高层火灾救援是“世界级难题”

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent fire incident at Hong Kong's Mong Fuk Court, highlighting the challenges of high-rise fire rescue and the urgent need for improved fire safety measures in high-rise buildings across Hong Kong and mainland China [3][5][8]. Summary by Sections Incident Overview - A fire broke out at Mong Fuk Court on November 26, 2023, escalating to a level 5 fire alarm, marking the first occurrence of such a high-level alarm since 2008 [3][4]. - The fire resulted in 55 fatalities and 72 injuries, with ongoing rescue operations [3][4]. Building and Fire Safety Issues - Mong Fuk Court, built in 1983, consists of 8 towers with a total of 1,984 units, currently undergoing major renovations [4]. - The fire spread rapidly due to the presence of construction materials and inadequate fire safety standards, including flammable insulation materials and narrow spacing between buildings [4][6]. Challenges in High-Rise Fire Rescue - High-rise fire rescue is complicated by the limitations of firefighting equipment, such as aerial ladders that typically reach only up to 50 meters, making it difficult to combat fires in buildings taller than 18 stories [5][9]. - The design of high-rise buildings often relies on internal fire safety systems, which, if compromised, leave external rescue efforts severely hampered [10][11]. Regulatory and Safety Measures - Hong Kong has implemented mandatory building inspections for structures over 30 years old since 2012, but many buildings still pose significant fire risks due to aging infrastructure [7][8]. - The article emphasizes the need for stricter regulations on fire safety materials and better design practices to enhance fire prevention and rescue capabilities in high-rise buildings [10][12]. Recommendations for Improvement - Experts suggest several measures to improve fire safety in high-rise buildings, including the use of non-combustible materials, the establishment of fire compartments, and the installation of adequate fire-fighting systems [11][12]. - There is a call for better planning of evacuation routes and the provision of dedicated rescue access points to facilitate emergency response [12].