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Due to the rapid increase in workload on fire protection and prevention in recent years, the Fire Protection Command has been split into two, namely the Licensing & Certification Command and the Fire Safety Command, with effect from 1.6.1999. The Fire Safety Command is responsible for drawing up fire safety policies, enforcing fire safety regulations, enhancing public awareness on fire safety, upgrading of fire safety in old buildings and vetting of loans for fire safety improvement works.


The Building Improvement Division 1 enforces Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance and Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance pertaining to the upgrading of fire safety measures in prescribed commercial premises, specified commercial buildings, old composite buildings and domestic buildings in Hong Kong Island and those within the boundaries of Islands, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin and Kowloon City District Council Constituencies. The Division is also responsible for handling building fire safety complaints (other than licensed premises and dangerous goods) and conducting related inspections. In addition, with a view to improving the fire safety of old composite buildings thoroughly, Special Enforcement Unit initiates inspections to the buildings and takes enforcement actions against irregularities identified.


The Building Improvement Division 2 is responsible for enforcing Fire Safety (Commercial Premises) Ordinance and Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance pertaining to the upgrading of fire safety measures in prescribed commercial premises, specified commercial buildings, old composite buildings and domestic buildings in Kowloon ( Other than those within the boundaries of Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin and Kowloon City District Council Constituencies) and New Territories Region.


The Railway Development Strategy (RDS) Division was established on 2.4.2001. The Division is responsible for scrutinizing consultancy studies reports, vetting of building plans and formulation of fire safety requirements and recommendations in respect of the new railway infrastructure projects under the Railway Development Strategy (RDS 2000) and alternation and addition works for all existing railway lines.


The New Projects Division, in co-operation with the Buildings Authority, is responsible for vetting of building plans and formulating of fire safety requirements in respect of new buildings and alteration and addition works for existing buildings in accordance with the standards set out in the Code of Practice for Minimum Fire Service Installations and Equipment.


The Support Division is responsible for formulating, reviewing and updating departmental policies on building fire safety improvement. Besides, the Division also provides administrative support to the Fire Safety Command Headquarters and handles general enquiries, as well as exerting great effort in public education of fire protection which aims at enhancing community involvement in promoting fire safety and fire prevention at district levels. A territory-wide fire protection publicity campaign with a main theme will be held annually. In addition, the Division provides logistic support to Operational Commands and co-ordinates cross-Command fire prevention activities where necessary. It is also responsible for administering the Fire Safety Ambassador Scheme for the participation of general public.


The Loan Scheme Supporting Team co-ordinates loans for fire safety improvement works under the Building Safety Loan Scheme, the purpose of which is to provide loans to owners of all types of private (including domestic, composite, commercial and industrial) buildings or part thereof, who may wish to obtain financial assistance in carrying out works for improving the fire safety of their premises or buildings.