A small yet fiercely visible fire erupted at the Fullview Garden Shopping Centre in Siu Sai Wan, Hong Kong, on the afternoon of December 6, drawing quick action from an unexpected source and raising concerns over the building’s emergency alert system. The incident, which began around 1:49 p.m., involved the ignition of miscellaneous items and cardboard near an outdoor platform, reportedly a parcel collection point. Though thick smoke and intense flames were initially observed, the fire was quickly extinguished by a delivery worker before the arrival of emergency services, according to local authorities.
Police and fire services were dispatched following a report from a shop representative detailing the blaze. By the time emergency crews reached the scene, the flames had been completely suppressed. Crucially, no injuries were reported, and a mass evacuation was deemed unnecessary. Both departments are currently investigating the precise cause of the ignition.
Public Raises Alarm Over Delayed Fire System Response
While the rapid extinguishment prevented significant damage, the incident highlighted potential issues with the commercial center’s fire safety protocols, specifically the audible alarm system. Online footage of the fire’s progress captured intense visual elements: the blaze consumed shelving units and adjacent areas on a first-floor platform, spewing considerable plumes of dark smoke upward.
Eyewitness accounts and video clips shared on social media platforms like Threads immediately focused on the apparent delay in the audible warning. In footage recorded during the active fire, no alarm can be heard sounding. A subsequent video, filmed after the fire was reduced to white smoke, shows the alarm finally activating.
Comments shared by individuals present expressed confusion and fear regarding the timing. One person was heard questioning, “Why isn’t the alarm sounding?” while another noted, with potential exasperation, that the warning “only rang after the fire was out!” An individual who posted about the event online admitted the incident “gave me a real fright,” describing shouts of “Fire! Get out quickly!” and observing a mother rapidly escorting her daughter away from the danger zone. The poster explicitly alleged that the alarm “didn’t sound at all during the fire” and only “went off belatedly after it was extinguished.”
Ensuring Commercial Fire Safety Readiness
The prompt response of the delivery worker, who reportedly used a fire extinguisher to quell the blaze, likely averted a far more serious outcome. However, the strong public perception of a delayed or non-functional alarm during the critical immediate phase of the incident underscores the vital importance of reliable emergency systems in busy commercial environments.
Fire safety regulations in high-density urban areas like Hong Kong mandate that fire detection and alarm systems function immediately and effectively to ensure public safety and facilitate timely evacuation. This incident serves as a critical reminder for building management and commercial property owners.
Key Fire Safety Takeaways for Commercial Spaces:
- Regular System Testing: Alarm and sprinkler systems must be rigorously tested and maintained monthly to ensure immediate functionality.
- Clear Escape Routes: Common areas, especially those designated for parcel collection or storage, must remain free of combustible materials that could obstruct exits or fuel a fire.
- Staff Training: All personnel, including delivery workers and tenants, should be trained in basic fire suppression techniques, including the proper use of fire extinguishers.
The ongoing investigation by police and fire services will likely include an assessment of the Fullview Garden Shopping Centre’s fire alarm system’s operational status at the time of the incident to determine if any breaches of safety codes occurred. Maintaining public confidence in emergency readiness is paramount, especially in crowded urban shopping hubs.