Hong Kong Rejected Mainland Firefighter Help During Deadly Blaze

A senior Hong Kong fire official has defended the decision to refuse help from mainland Chinese firefighters during the city's deadliest fire in decades. Deputy Chief Fire Officer Sunny Wong Sze-lut said the offer was declined over concerns that mainland crews might not adapt quickly to the local environment. He cited potential difficulties in communication and coordination with Hong Kong teams. Wong explained the reasoning during a public evidential hearing on Wednesday. The hearing is investigating the firefighting response to the New Year's Day blaze in the Tai Po district. The intense fire burned for approximately two hours in a mixed-use building. It resulted in five fatalities and over forty injuries. The hearing continues to examine the strategies used during the emergency.