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## Overview A public inquiry into Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades is examining regulatory failures at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, where the owners' corporation was reportedly unable to compel renovation contractors to use fire-resistant materials due to the absence of statutory requirements (SCMP, article date). ## Key Testimony Tony Tsui Moon-come, chairman of the incorporated owners' management committee at the time of the fire, testified that he and other residents were 'helpless' when trying to compel contractor Prestige Construction and Engineering to use fire-resistant materials (SCMP, article date). The owners' corporation reportedly made repeated protests but lacked legal authority to enforce their preferences in the absence of a statutory mandate. ## Regulatory Gap Identified The inquiry is surfacing a significant gap in Hong Kong building and fire safety law: without a statutory requirement for fire-resistant renovation materials, property owners and management committees have no enforceable mechanism to require contractors to use them, even when safety concerns are explicitly raised. ## Legal & Policy Significance - The testimony directly implicates the adequacy of Hong Kong's Buildings Ordinance and Fire Services Ordinance as applied to renovation works - The inquiry may result in recommendations for mandatory use of fire-resistant materials in residential renovation - Contractor liability — specifically Prestige Construction and Engineering — is likely to be a central issue in any civil or criminal proceedings arising from the fire - The owners' corporation's documented protests may serve as evidence in future litigation regarding foreseeability and negligence - This is the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades, ensuring sustained political and media attention ## Ongoing Inquiry The public inquiry is ongoing. Testimony from Tony Tsui represents early proceedings; further witnesses, including representatives of Prestige Construction and Engineering and government building safety officials, are likely to be called. ## Status Inquiry is active. No findings or recommendations have been issued as of reporting.