Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department has extended a scheme allowing property owners to install smart fire alarm systems rather than traditional safety equipment to another 6,000 old buildings, but conceded that no installations had been completed although the policy was rolled out over five months ago for 3,600 blocks.

Lai Kin-mo, acting deputy chief fire officer for building improvement, said on Wednesday that while 300 buildings had expressed interest in installing the system, which can send alerts within 10 seconds of detecting smoke, owners were still trying to reach a consensus on related issues.

“Different service providers will provide different installation plans that involve work fees. I think it’s mostly prices that they are negotiating as the technology is already there and space is not a concern,” Lai said.