Smart fire systems now a go at high-rise buildings

The Fire Services Department (FSD) is accelerating upgrades to fire safety systems in thousands of high-rise buildings through the use of smart devices and portable extinguishers. Since 2007, inspections have been conducted on thousands of buildings constructed on or before March 1, 1987 to ensure their fire protection installations and equipment comply with current standards.

Owners of buildings needing upgrades will receive notices, and non-compliance will result in fines. However, many older buildings lack the space or resources for manual fire alarms and hose reels, leading to the adoption of alternative solutions. Among these is the Internet of Things (IoT) fire detection system and portable extinguishers, equipped with carbon monoxide and smoke sensors that automatically alert the FSD via a 4G cellular network in case of a fire.

Following a successful pilot program, the system will be officially approved for use in buildings up to six storeys in height from April of this year, and will be expanded to taller towers by October, covering approximately 6,000 buildings. Acting deputy chief fire officer Lai Kin-mo explained that buildings ranging from seven to 12 storeys will no longer require fire hydrants and hose reels, instead ensuring their dry fire mains operate correctly, and installing two portable extinguishers on each floor.

Buildings taller than 12 storeys can install IoT sensors on their existing fire pumps and water tanks, eliminating the need for a backup pump. Compared to traditional manual fire alarm systems, the new IoT approach could cost as little as HK$500,000, whereas traditional systems can range up to HK$2.6 million, with installation taking two to four weeks. Nine approved contractors are now available for hire, up from five previously.