香港大火启示：全国100多万栋高层民居，更新改造隐患仍多

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the urgent need for improved fire safety standards and regulations for high-rise buildings in China, particularly in light of recent fire incidents that highlight existing vulnerabilities in construction and emergency response systems [3][4][12]. Group 1: Fire Safety Concerns - The recent fire at Hong Kong's Tai Po Hong Fu Court has raised alarms about the rapid spread of fire in high-rise buildings and the adequacy of current firefighting capabilities [3][4]. - Experts indicate that many high-rise buildings in China, particularly those built over 20 years ago, may not meet current fire safety standards, posing significant risks [11][12]. - There is a growing trend of increasing fire incidents in high-rise buildings, with 36,000 cases reported in the first eight months of 2024, surpassing the total for 2023 [13]. Group 2: Urban Renewal and Building Safety - Urban renewal efforts in China are increasingly focused on older multi-story housing, with a need to address fire safety in aging high-rise buildings [4][5]. - The article discusses the challenges of updating fire safety measures in older buildings, particularly those that have undergone renovations that may compromise safety [14][15]. - Experts suggest that a comprehensive responsibility system is needed to address the challenges of urban renewal and fire safety in older high-rise buildings [4][5]. Group 3: Regulatory Framework and Compliance - The article highlights the disconnect between existing fire safety regulations and their practical enforcement, leading to increased risks during construction and renovation [15][16]. - The new Safety Production Law emphasizes the responsibility of construction companies for safety, but there are concerns about compliance and the potential for cost-cutting measures that compromise safety [15][16]. - The article calls for a more robust regulatory framework to ensure compliance with fire safety standards, particularly in the context of urban renewal [15][16]. Group 4: Financial and Structural Challenges - The financial burden of upgrading fire safety systems in older buildings is significant, with costs for renovations often exceeding those for new constructions by 20% to 50% [19][20]. - There is a noted inefficiency in utilizing the housing maintenance fund, with less than 20% of the total fund being effectively used for necessary upgrades [19][20]. - Experts recommend mandatory inspections for high-rise buildings over 20 years old to identify and address safety risks proactively [18][19]. Group 5: Height Limitations and Future Regulations - The article discusses the implementation of height restrictions for new high-rise buildings as a fundamental solution to fire safety issues [21][22]. - Recent regulations have set strict limits on the construction of new high-rise buildings, particularly those exceeding 250 meters, to ensure they align with firefighting capabilities [22][23]. - The new Residential Project Standards further restrict the maximum height of residential buildings to 80 meters, reflecting a shift towards prioritizing safety in urban planning [23][24].