A fire broke out in a residential unit in Yau Ma Tei district early this morning. At around 7:10 AM on November 11, a property located at 316-320 Kam Fook Building on New Fillumbra Street reported a fire caused by a computer power strip. The fire brigade was immediately dispatched and extinguished the fire at approximately 7:39 AM using a water hose and a smoke detection team. One 24-year-old man was affected by the smoke and was taken to Kwong Wah Hospital by an ambulance. Additionally, a 44-year-old male resident and a 41-year-old female resident experienced discomfort and refused medical treatment in the ambulance but felt well enough to return to their units. Thirteen males and eleven females were evacuated as a result of the fire. Following an investigation, it was concluded that the fire was caused by an electrical power surge in a computer. There were no suspicious circumstances. Residents remarked on the swift mobilization of fire services, with firefighters rushing inside to rescue residents. A small girl living on the third floor of the building recounted her experience of the fire, describing her fear and the quick actions of rescue personnel. She highlighted how her family coordinated their escape. During the evacuation, a fire officer provided a blanket to keep her from getting cold. The area around a scaffolding and netting surrounding the building was filled with evacuating residents and their pets. Traffic on New Fillumbra Street and Dentist Street was temporarily restricted due to the fire.
The incident highlighted the importance of fire safety measures in residential buildings and the response protocols followed by local fire services. The swift and organized evacuation process ensured that most residents could quickly return to their units after the fire was extinguished. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of electrical issues in residential areas and the necessity for regular safety inspections and awareness campaigns.