The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, called a special meeting this morning (Thursday) with the Chief Secretary for Administration and other senior officials to map out short term and long term measures to remove fire hazards in residential buildings.

At the meeting, Mr Tung said: "We care for the safety of the people. As a caring and modern society, fire hazards which can be prevented must not be tolerated. But this must be a joint responsibility between building occupants and owners on one hand, and Government on the other.

"We must instill a strong sense of responsibility among the general public in keeping their homes free from fire hazards. To do so, we need the cooperation from each and every owner and occupier of our private buildings for the full implementation of fire safety measures.

"In the interest of the community, I call upon each and every citizen to lend your full support in removing fire hazards.

"We are studying the proposal of mandating the establishment of a building management body by the owners in every private building to improve the fire safety of their own property. We shall give careful consideration to its feasibility and implications.

"Over the years, the Government has been working hard to promote the establishment of Owners Incorporations in residential buildings. They provide a useful vehicle for the implementation of building management measures. We shall step up our efforts in this regard in our drive to improve fire safety," the Chief Executive said.

"It is time for the community to do more in protecting their own lives and properties, through a greater awareness of fire safety measures and more active participation in the management of their own building. Ultimately, building occupants and owners must make it their business to care for their properties by removing fire hazards," he added.

The meeting also agreed on a number of short term measures. They include :

* Relevant government departments will inspect all old non-commercial private buildings in the territory to identify potential fire hazards which threaten lives and properties. They will jointly persuade the occupants and owners to remove such hazards voluntarily, failing which prosecution action will be taken.

* Based on the findings of these inspections, the Government will consider the need for legislation or other measures to improve fire safety in non-commercial private buildings.

* The Government will launch a major publicity campaign to enhance public awareness of the threat of fire and the need to step up fire prevention.

* The Government will encourage the Owners Incorporation or Mutual Aid Committee in each private building to appoint a fire safety officer among their members to help ensure compliance with fire safety requirements by the occupants.

* The Government will also urge all building management companies to step up their efforts in ensuring fire safety in their client buildings.

"In the longer term, old buildings which do not meet modern fire safety standards or other necessary standards will need to be redeveloped as part of an urban renewal scheme. We shall accord top priority to urban renewal and press ahead with the implementation," Mr Tung said.

"We appreciate that this will take time and require full cooperation from all parties affected. We must put our efforts together in building a safer environment and enhancing the quality of living for ourselves and our future generations."

The Chief Secretary for Administration will oversee efforts being made by relevant policy bureaux and departments in the drive to ensure fire safety.