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Fred Lai

Books of condolence have been set up at two Hong Kong fire services department locations for the two firefighters who died this week battling an inferno at a local industrial building.
The flag of the Fire Services Department flew at half mast at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O, one of two places where a book was being displayed. The other place is Kwun Tong Fire Station.

In the academy’s education centre, flowers adorned a table covered in a simple white cloth on which a book was available for members of the public to write their words of sympathy.
The Chinese names of the two deceased officers, Samuel Hui Chi-kit, 37, and Thomas Cheung, 30, were being projected on a screen behind the table, beneath the words “Remembered Forever”.
In the book, Coka Wu, a colleague of the two men, wrote: “Your spirits of kindness and generous sacrifices would always be in our heart.”
Another visitor, also surnamed Wu, told the Post: “I’m just an ordinary citizen who can do nothing but express my wish. A friend of mine is a firefighter, which makes me more touched by the accident.”
An auxiliary police officer surnamed Ma said the fallen firefighters were carrying out the department’s mission when they died.
“All we want to do is guarantee the safety of Hong Kong citizens,” he said.
‘It’s finally my turn’: second fireman to die fighting Ngau Tau Kok inferno wanted to bring his ‘brothers’ back to station safely
A 60-year-old firefighter surnamed Lau with more than 30 years at the department said he was touched by the condolence arrangement.
However, he said he doubted whether senior fire officials had adequately assessed the scene of the blaze before sending firefighters into the building.
Hong Kong’s longest-burning fire in 20 years


“We can’t defy an order from a senior officer as it’s illegal to do so,” he said. “Thus the first and foremost thing to do is protect ourselves, especially when faced with such a serious situation.”
Echoing Lau’s concern, a retired disciplined services officer who asked not to be identified said he could not understand senior fire officials’ strategy for battling the blaze.
Funeral with full honours set for Hong Kong fireman who died in Ngau Tau Kok blaze
“Life is more precious than properties, right?” he asked.
The condolence book at the academy is available to the public daily from 9am to 9pm, as is the book in Kwun Tong. A decision has not yet been made as to how long the books will be available for signing.

The Post invites readers to write their condolences in the comments section of this article and will share them with the Fire Services Department.


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Ngau Tau Kok fire

‘Remembered forever’: condolence books for Hong Kong firemen who died in city’s longest-running fire in decades

The book of condolence is available for signing on both Friday and Saturday from 9am to 9pm. Photo: Edward Wong

Flags were lowered for the death of the two firefighters at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O. 24JUN16 SCMP/ Edward Wong

News

Hong Kong

Education

Fire Services Department arranges two locations for members of the public wishing to write their sympathies
