Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in nearly eight decades — which killed at least 146 people after engulfing the Wang Fuk Court high-rise complex in Tai Po — has triggered urgent conversations among Indian fire-safety experts. With NCR and Mumbai dominated by towering residential developments, specialists say the tragedy exposes vulnerabilities that are highly relevant for India, from unsafe renovation practices to poor compliance with fire audits and building codes.

As investigations point to bamboo scaffolding fuelling the blaze — a material banned in India — experts warn that the incident is a wake-up call for residents, builders and housing societies to strengthen fire preparedness, ensure code compliance and prioritise safety during interior work and refurbishments, according to a report by The Hindustan Times.

The Hong Kong high-rise fire has put a spotlight on construction and fire safety practices, many of which are highly relevant for India. The blaze is believed to have been fuelled by bamboo scaffolding used during renovation work. Fire experts say that while common in Hong Kong, bamboo scaffolding is banned under Indian standards, which mandate iron or steel scaffolding for all high-rises to reduce fire risk.

Experts say the incident is a reminder that residents must take fire safety and compliance more seriously, especially during renovation. There should also be regular fire audits every two years, as mandated by building codes.

“Regular fire safety audits every two years are mandated by National Building Code 2016,” explains Munish Kumar, founder director of EHS Guru Sustainable Solutions Pvt Ltd, a company that undertakes EHS (environment, health and safety), ESG, fire and life safety, ergonomics and regulatory compliance audits and conducts training and provides consultancy to developers and commercial firms.

Fire audits are a proactive step but sometimes owners feel that this is an additional investment or an unnecessary financial burden. They assess the adequacies of fire systems in a building and their readiness to avoid any fire situation. During a fire safety audit, fire experts carry out fire prevention drills that include electrical systems related thermography assessments. They assess electrical, fire safety risks, the readiness of fire systems, emergency preparedness of occupants and most important whether emergency systems in a building are in working order or not, Kumar explains.

While a fire safety audit does assess risks, it has been seen that most smoke detectors are not in working condition in high rise buildings because several residents carry out massive interior work before moving into an apartment. As per the national building code 2016, all buildings with more than 30 m height (more than 15 floors) require smoke detectors inside the apartment. What this means is that smoke detectors installed inside the apartment are mandatorily linked with fire control panels and sprinkler systems. For buildings less than 15 m, smoke detection systems in common areas are mandatory under the code, points out Kumar.

“Residents should ensure that the smoke detecting systems are not destroyed or done away with while carrying out renovation work,” said Kumar.

Residential societies should ensure use of fire-retardant materials, including flame-retardant, low-smoke electrical cables. It is important to use fire-rated glass, safe window cladding, and façade materials that do not aid vertical fire spread, he said.

There should also be compliance with updated National Building Code (NBC) norms for ventilation, refuge floors, and façade safety. Refuge floors aren’t required in residential buildings if each flat has its own balcony. In commercial or business buildings, however, a refuge floor is mandatory at 24 metres and then at every additional 15 metres, he explains.

Housing societies should draw up a snag list identification during handovers to check for structural or functional defects. Once a residential complex is handed over, apartment owners become equally responsible for maintaining fire safety. Renovation work must be monitored closely, avoiding combustible materials such as plywood, MDF, incense and other inflammables that can accelerate a blaze, experts say.