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].

Core Points - A fire broke out in a 17-story residential building in Sanxiang Town, Zhongshan City, Guangdong Province, but fortunately, there were no casualties due to the residents' prior fire safety training [1][3] - The cause of the fire is currently under investigation [1] Group 1: Fire Incident Response - The homeowner discovered the fire and promptly woke up family members, and after realizing they could not extinguish the fire, they evacuated to the ground and called for help [3] - Firefighters quickly arrived and utilized indoor fire hydrants to suppress the fire and conducted a search and rescue operation, successfully evacuating a trapped resident from a neighboring unit [3][5] Group 2: Self-Rescue Actions - A trapped resident closed her door and used a wet towel to block smoke from entering, while sending a distress message via her phone, which bought her valuable time for rescue [5] - Other residents on the upper floors noticed the fire and, while visibility was still normal, covered their mouths and noses and evacuated down the stairs in an orderly manner [7] Group 3: Fire Hazards in High-Rise Buildings - High-rise buildings have multiple fire hazards due to their complex functions and the presence of combustible materials, making fire safety management critical [7] - The rapid spread of fire is a significant risk, especially when flammable materials are improperly stored [8] - Evacuating from high-rise buildings can be challenging due to the long vertical distance and potential smoke intrusion in stairwells [9] Group 4: Fire Safety Tips - In case of a fire below, residents should evacuate downwards if the stairwell is not filled with smoke [10][11] - If trapped by smoke or fire, residents should stay in their units, close the door, seal gaps with wet towels, and call for help [18][37]