The Fire Services Department said nearly half of the city's commercial buildings it inspected in the past two days might have failed to examine their fire service installation or equipment every year.

Officers said they conducted a territory-wide special fire safety inspection and enforcement operation covering 132 commercial buildings deemed to have higher fire risks, in the wake of the deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze in Tai Po. They believed more people would visit commercial buildings with many licensed premises such as restaurants during the holiday season.

The department said 57, or 43 percent, of the buildings were suspected of lacking annual inspections for fire service installation or equipment, and that it will follow up on the matter.

Officers also said 376 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices were issued against, for example, smoke stop doors being wedged open and means of escape being obstructed or locked, and 53 prosecutions were initiated.

The Fire Services Department said fire prevention publicity and education were carried out during the operation to raise awareness among property owners and the public.

The department added that it will boost communication with the Property Management Services Authority, the Association of Property Management Companies and other relevant stakeholders to further strengthen fire safety management at commercial buildings.