Hong Kong Canadians bounce back after killing inferno – nationally

Canadians with roots in Hong Kong have been watching with horror at news of the fire that tore through seven of China’s tallest towers in the special region, leaving several dead and hundreds dead.

Vancouver resident Albert Wai YIP, a former Hong Kong Legislative Council member, said the risk of fire in the city’s tall buildings has always been a concern, especially with many sprinkler systems.

He has been watching videos online of the Blaze in his hometown, showing huge flames and hostages.

“I wish (a) People who were injured can have a speedy recovery,” said Chan, “it’s a tragedy.”

“We hope that the government can improve its property management policy. Otherwise, I believe that this kind of problem will continue to appear again and again.”

Hundreds of residents were evacuated as the flames spread beyond the houses in Tayi Po Po district, with at least 44 people reported dead and 280 missing.

The blaze, which started mid-afternoon on Wednesday, has been upgraded to Level-5 – the highest level in the area – and authorities said conditions remain extremely difficult for firefighters.

Global Estimates There are approximately 300,000 Canadian citizens in Hong Kong, making them the largest diaspora outside the United States.

Global News Canada did not respond to a request for information on whether any Canadians died in the fire.

Derek Armstrong Chan, the Deputy Director of Operations of the Fire Service, said in a press conference that the debris and scaffolding of the affected buildings fell to the ground, posing an additional risk to their former employees.

Besides, the temperature inside the affected buildings is very high,” said Chan. “It is really difficult for us to enter the building and go up to the top to carry out firefighting and rescue operations.”

Chan said the fire could be one of Hong Kong’s history, bringing back memories of the Garley building fire in 1996 that killed 41 people and injured about 81.

Aiken Lau, a former Hong Kong writer who now lives in Coquitlam, BC, said he remembers crying when he was young about the Garley building fire, and the same feelings come back 29 years later.

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“I was heartbroken when I first saw the news,” said Lau. “Even though I’ve been in Hong Kong for more than 20 years, I still have strong feelings about the country, and I hate seeing people in pain.

“I hope the missing people can be found as soon as possible.”

Authorities said the tai Po fire started on Wednesday in an outdoor bamboo shelter on the 32nd tower of the stable and later spread due to windy conditions.

Lau said there are many questions about the cause and how fast the deadly flames can move.

Richmond Conservation Center – Marpole Member of Parliament Chak AU also took to social media to express his sadness, saying that his heart is with Hong Kong.

Au, who worked as an assistant professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong before immigrating to Canada in 1988, said in an interview that the news hit home.

Au’s son is a Firefighter with the city of Richmond, and the former City Councilor also said that the location of the Hong Kong Blaze in Tayi Poo District is close to his former location.

“Tai Po in the region is just a stop away from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, my former place, and it is a very densely populated city,” said AU.

“My heartfelt condolences to all those who lost loved ones – including the firefighter who died in the line of duty – and my thoughts are with the injured and many families still awaiting news of the tragedy. “I also pray that more survivors will be saved.”

John Lee, Hong Kong’s chief executive, said the situation at the scene was gradually being brought under control, and a “thorough investigation” had been launched.

Several media outlets reported that police arrested three men on suspicion of murder in connection with the fire.

Lau said he hoped the death toll would stop rising.

“When I learn about the history of deadly fires in Hong Kong, the fire that happened in Sham Shui Po in 1962 is the worst, and I was not born then,” said Lau.

“I am very concerned that the latest fire could break the record of 1962. It is devastating.”

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With files from the accompanying media

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