香港宏福苑大火44小时

Core Viewpoint - The investigation into the causes of the fire at Hong Fu Court and the subsequent recovery actions are just beginning, following the tragic incident that resulted in 128 fatalities [3][4]. Incident Overview - The fire at Hong Fu Court started on November 26 at 2:51 PM and was extinguished approximately 44 hours later, with the site still emitting strong odors from burnt materials [2]. - The fire led to the complete destruction of the external facade of three buildings, with scaffolding and protective nets reduced to ashes [2]. Casualties and Arrests - As of November 28, the fire resulted in 128 confirmed deaths, and the police arrested three executives from the construction company involved, charging them with manslaughter [3]. - Initial investigations revealed that the materials used for the building's protective netting and window sealing posed significant fire hazards [3]. Fire Safety Failures - Residents reported that the fire alarm system did not activate, leading to reliance on phone notifications for evacuation [6][7]. - A former security chief noted that the fire alarm system had been disabled prior to the incident, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire [8]. Firefighting Challenges - The building's height (over 90 meters) posed significant challenges for firefighting efforts, as the main firefighting equipment could only reach up to 56 meters [8][9]. - A "rescue vacuum" existed above the 19th floor, complicating evacuation and rescue operations [9]. Material Concerns - The use of flammable materials, specifically foam boards used to seal windows, was identified as a critical factor in the fire's rapid escalation [11]. - The construction contractor, Hong Ye Construction Engineering Co., was awarded a contract worth HKD 330 million for renovation work, which included the use of these hazardous materials [11]. Emergency Response and Community Support - Following the fire, the Hong Kong government and various organizations mobilized to provide immediate assistance to affected residents, including financial aid and temporary housing [14][15]. - Significant donations from corporations and community members exceeded HKD 500 million, demonstrating strong community support for the victims [16][17]. Regulatory and Structural Review - The incident has prompted calls for a review of building safety regulations, particularly concerning the use of bamboo scaffolding and fire safety measures [21][22]. - The need for improved oversight in construction practices and fire safety protocols has been highlighted as essential to prevent future tragedies [22][23].