The Fire Services Department today said it received a total of 35,972 fire calls in 2025, representing a decrease of 4.9% over 2024. Among these were 2,000 damaging building fires, a slight increase of 25 cases over 2024.

In all, 96.1% of building fire calls were responded to within the graded response time.

Presenting the department's 2025 Year-end Review at a media session today, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung said the decline of fire calls was mainly attributable to a reduction in false alarms - down 8.3% from 2024.

The principal causes of the fires were electrical faults and human negligence, such as careless handling of cigarette ends and candles.

With regard to special service calls, a total of 42,485 calls were received during the year, representing an 8% increase year-on-year. Notable incidents included Super Typhoon Ragasa that struck Hong Kong directly in September, during which the department handled over 800 special service calls.

In the wake of the No.5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, the department introduced a series of targeted measures to enhance the overall safety standard.

First, a dedicated Inspection Team was established to conduct inspections on fire service installations and equipment (FSIs) in buildings undergoing major maintenance works.

Second, a round-the-clock Quick Response Team was formed to proactively inspect the operation of the relevant FSI systems immediately at the scene of building fires.

Third, alerts to residents during periods of major FSI failure were strengthened.

Fourth, publicity, education and training for the public, owners' corporations and property management companies were actively reinforced.