BEIJING, Nov 29 (Reuters) – China announced a sweeping inspection of fire-safety standards in high-rise buildings nationwide on Saturday after a deadly fire in Hong Kong left at least 128 people dead, moving to avert any comparable disaster on the mainland.

Special attention will be paid to buildings undergoing external wall renovations and interior modifications, the Ministry of Emergency Management said in a statement.

“We must comprehensively strengthen fire safety management of high-rise buildings to effectively protect people’s lives and property,” the ministry said.

The State Council Work Safety Committee has issued a notice to local authorities launching the inspection, it said.

Chinese authorities remain sensitive to incidents affecting social stability, following a devastating

See Full Page