An inquiry into the fatal Tai Po fire revealed that temporarily removing fireproof windows complied with occupational safety protocols. The probe also raised questions about whether resident and worker safety interests conflict.

A Labour Department official has told an inquiry into Hong Kong’s deadly Tai Po inferno that the temporary removal of fireproof windows from emergency passages in the blaze-hit estate complied with occupational safety protocols, triggering questions on whether the interests of workers and residents are at odds. The inquiry also heard on Tuesday that a department officer had misled Wang Fuk Court residents by claiming the fire resistance of renovation material was outside the purview of the law,....