Hongkongers snap up fire safety equipment as Tai Po blaze death toll climbs

Hong Kong residents and businesses have been rushing to snap up safety equipment following the city’s worst fire in decades, which killed 128 and injured 79.

The blaze broke out on Wednesday in seven of eight residential buildings of Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s northern Tai Po district, with the blaze largely put out by Friday. The fire spread rapidly across the buildings, which were covered with scaffolding mesh and windows covered with polystyrene foam boards.

Vendors of fire equipment said business had been brisk since, with fire extinguishers, fire blankets and smoke alarms among the bestsellers.

Dang, the owner of A Chan & Bros Co, a fire safety contractor in Yau Ma Tei, said business had increased nearly “threefold” since the Tai Po fire broke out, with fire extinguishers being the most popular products.

He said the ratio of individual buyers to corporate purchases was roughly one to nine, with most households that bought equipment also undergoing “major renovations” similar to Wang Fuk Court.

“I am sure they are worried … but I would say it is actually just some psychological reassurance,” Dang said.