Hong Kong authorities are extending an operation targeting poorly maintained fire safety equipment for another two years, aiming to inspect 5,000 high-risk old buildings after an initial phase resulted in 75 prosecutions.

Law Kin-san, acting senior divisional officer for policy at the Fire Services Department, said on Thursday that ad hoc checks on high-risk buildings would prioritise residential blocks wrapped in scaffolding nets and those undergoing major renovation.

“Unlike new buildings, these buildings still house many residents during renovation works. Once a fire breaks out, evacuation and rescue become much more difficult and risky,” Law said.

The two-year operation follows the devastating Tai Po blaze last November at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate that killed 168 people and displaced nearly 5,000. It will cover old residential and mixed-use buildings equipped with fire alarms and hosepipe reel systems. Buildings undergoing renovations, including those covered with scaffolding mesh, will also be examined.

Officers will check fire alarms, hosepipe reel systems and water tanks, as well as annual fire safety equipment inspection records in the target buildings.