A recent Level 5 fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong, spread with alarming speed. Investigations suggest that the blaze may have been fueled by construction materials that failed to meet fire safety requirements, including protective netting, waterproof coverings, and foam insulation.

Despite the heroic overnight efforts of more than 1,200 firefighters and emergency responders, rescue operations were severely challenged. Highly flammable materials accelerated the fire, while toxic smoke from inferior products filled escape routes, reducing visibility and placing both residents and rescuers in extreme danger.

This incident delivers a clear message:
true fire safety is not defined by how fast we respond after a disaster, but by how well we prevent it beforehand.

The Cost of Cutting Corners

In an increasingly competitive construction market, some suppliers win projects by offering unrealistically low prices. Compliance is shown in testing samples, yet the materials delivered on-site often tell a different story. These inconsistent or “dual-standard” products may appear economical, but they quietly introduce serious safety risks.

Fire safety should never be a gamble.
What looks like short-term savings can ultimately result in far greater losses—financially, legally, and, most critically, in human lives.

Regulations Are Written in Lessons, Not Paper

Every major fire reinforces the same truth:
the first and most important fire barrier is the material itself.

Building regulations requiring Class A non-combustible materials for high-rise structures exist for a reason. These standards are not theoretical—they are shaped by decades of real-world incidents and hard-earned lessons.

When fire or explosion occurs, time becomes the most valuable resource. At that moment, the quality and performance of building materials directly determine whether people can escape safely and whether rescue teams can operate effectively.

REXIN: Designing Materials with Life in Mind

For years, REXIN has focused on fire-resistant material innovation with life safety as its guiding principle. Our Class A Non-Combustible High-Pressure Resin Panels(TAIKA) are engineered to slow flame spread, limit smoke impact, and help preserve valuable evacuation and rescue time when it matters most.

Fire safety is not an afterthought.
It begins with responsible choices—made long before a fire ever starts.