On Wednesday, the 26th, a massive Level-5 fire broke out in a residential building named Hung Fook Court in the Tai Po area of Hong Kong. Tragically, 94 individuals have lost their lives, including a 37-year-old firefighter, and over 200 people are still reported missing. The rescue team has recovered five more bodies from the site.
Source: aajtak
Although many residents survived, numerous people remained near the building overnight, anxiously searching for family members, hoping they would be found safe. Fire services officials have outlined that every unit in the building is being meticulously inspected to ensure no individuals are trapped inside. It's anticipated that the rescue operation will be completed by morning. It is believed that the fire was triggered by polystyrene foam.
Negligence Led to Deaths
Security Secretary Chris Tang and Fire Services Director Yeung Yan-kin have disclosed a significant oversight discovered by the fire brigade within the building. Several flats' windows and lift lobbies were sealed and covered with polystyrene foam, a highly flammable material, exacerbating the blaze. Furthermore, the building's safety nets, waterproof tarps, and plastic sheets also failed to meet safety standards.
Source: aajtak
These materials might have also contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. In light of these findings, police have apprehended two directors and a consultant (aged 52 to 68) from the engineering company tied to this oversight, charging them with gross negligence causing significant harm and multiple fatalities.
What Caused the Fire?
Investigations revealed that polystyrene foam was applied to several of the building's windows, as well as the windows in the lift lobby. This foam is known for its flammable properties, catching fire easily, which led to a rapid spread. Moreover, the protective nets, plastic tarps, and sheets in the building were not compliant with fire safety regulations, thereby aiding the fire's escalation. Consequently, the authorities have arrested two directors and a consultant involved in the engineering company for serious negligence, resulting in severe injuries and numerous deaths.
Source: aajtak
What is Polystyrene Foam?
Polystyrene foam is a lightweight, white sponge-like substance used ubiquitously in products such as the cushioning found in TV and refrigerator boxes or foam pieces for packing and thermocol sheets.
Why Is It Common in Households?
Polystyrene foam, akin to thermocol, is favored for being lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to affix anywhere, making it popular for various household uses.
Source: aajtak
The Problems with Polystyrene Foam
Easily ignitable, it produces black smoke and toxic gases when burned, multiplying the speed at which a fire spreads. Its use in construction or window sealing poses significant dangers. Despite versatile applications for insulation, packing, and soundproofing, its flammability necessitates critical safety precautions when used at home.
Reducing Fire Risk from Polystyrene Foam at Home:
Keep it away from fire sources—such as stoves, geysers, heaters, candles, or mosquito coils—maintaining at least 10–12 feet of distance.
Avoid using thermocol near any heated appliance.
If applied to walls or ceilings, ensure a fire-retardant layer is installed.
Cover it with fire-resistant plaster, boards, or sheets.
Always use FR-grade Thermocol sheets from the market.
Avoid placing wiring and thermocol together. Keep it distant from electrical wiring and, if necessary, conduct fire-resistant piping or channeling.
Source: aajtak
Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or excessively hot places, as it can melt and increase fire risk.
Do not store packing thermocol at home; avoid keeping it behind ACs, heaters, or fridges.
Collecting old packaging foam increases the risk of fires at home.
Ensure good airflow in rooms with foam-covered walls; trapped smoke significantly amplifies danger.
Conduct annual checks on thermocol applied to walls or ceilings.
Always use 'covered' thermocol—it's most hazardous when exposed.
Source: aajtak
Three Essential Items Each Home Should Have:
1 ABC Fire Extinguisher (at least 2 kg)
A fire blanket for small fires
Smoke alarm (available for ₹500–800)
