A swift response from emergency services, triggered by the quick thinking of a renowned Hong Kong celebrity, contained a volatile street fire early Tuesday morning near the city’s central business district, averting potential disaster.
The incident occurred just after midnight on Tuesday (June 19th) near the intersection of Cochrane Street and the Mid-Levels Escalator system in Central. Singer and performer Calvin Choy—known in Mandarin as Cai Yijie—was passing through the area when he noticed flames engulfing a pile of discarded items and a trolley adjacent to a service point for the iconic escalator network. Recognizing the intensity and proximity of the fire to densely packed urban infrastructure, Choy immediately contacted emergency services.
Rapid Response Contained Escalator Fire Threat
Footage shared by Choy on social media confirmed the ferocity of the blaze before firefighters arrived. The video depicted large flames consuming debris piled near a critical access point for the escalator system—a transport artery used daily by thousands of commuters and residents moving between Central and the residential areas of the Mid-Levels.
Choy recounted his intervention, calling it an act of “bravery” for the community. “I was passing by the Central Market area very late last night when I suddenly saw this intense fire,” he explained. “I immediately called the police. Within ten minutes, the firefighters arrived quickly and extinguished the source of the blaze.”
The star publicly praised the efficiency of the responding teams. “I truly appreciate the speed and professionalism of the firefighters; thank you for your hard work,” he stated.
Fire service personnel rapidly deployed high-pressure water streams onto the burning trolley and debris. Their effective response ensured the fire was quickly brought under control and fully extinguished, preventing the flames from spreading to surrounding buildings or the escalator’s structure. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation by local authorities.
Community Praises Public Safety Vigilance
The potentially dangerous location of the fire—in the heart of a major commercial and logistics hub—highlighted the vulnerability of public spaces to accidental or deliberate fires. Central Hong Kong features narrow streets, old tenement buildings, and frequent foot traffic, making rapid fire spread a significant concern.
Choy’s decisiveness was widely applauded by online commentators, who credited him with preventing the fire from escalating into a serious structural incident. His actions underscore the vital role citizens play in maintaining urban safety through timely reporting.
Local safety officials often emphasize the need for immediate action when encountering public fire threats, recommending a strict protocol:
- Do not attempt to extinguish large fires alone or without proper equipment.
- Immediately contact 999 (Hong Kong emergency number).
- Provide clear, accurate location details to aid rapid deployment.
- Evacuate the immediate vicinity to a safe distance.
This incident serves as a crucial reminder for residents and businesses in densely populated metropolitan areas to remain vigilant about street waste accumulation and to immediately report any signs of uncontrolled flames to prevent major disruption and damage to vital infrastructure like the Mid-Levels Escalator. Authorities continue to stress the importance of proper disposal of refuse, particularly flammable materials, in public areas.
