Reason First: Hong Kong fire live: At least 36 dead in Tai Po as blaze engulfs apartment buildings

A massive fire encompassing seven out of eight blocks of a high rise in Tai Po, Hong Kong, China has prompted the leader of the country, Xi Jingping, to express his condolences to the families of the fallen. Could he have done more to prevent this tragedy is the question. In all his dealings, could he have focused more on the safety of his people and the security of their dwelling places as opposed to involving himself in geopolitical saber-rattling?

The blaze, which affected over 5,000 lives, brought about tears and anguish. One seventy-year-old woman claimed that she saw the fire touch a block next to her own residence.

While there is no word as to what sparked the fire, it will always mar the city's legacy. As of this writing, fourteen people have succumbed to either smoke inhalation or burns.

The reality behind this is the structures consisted of bamboo scaffolding which had been halted months ago due to safety issues.

Fire personnel have asked people still trapped in the building to remain where they are to reduce the risk of injury or death.

What all this spells is for better measures for construction in the future. As for now, the firefighters will battle this particular inferno with vigor and intensity.

From all the fire and smoke, people have emerged and been saved despite the oppressive heat and overwhelming heat.

As long as there will be emergency crews ready to battle the blaze, there will be a chance for the remaining people to be united with friends and family.

Most people have fretted over their dwelling places and everything in them. The truth about the over a dozen bodies (so far) which the fire has claimed is a reminder to take any fire event like this with utmost urgency.

As Hong Kongers gather the pieces of whatever they could grab and of course keep close to their loved ones.

To consider the idea that this is a human and universal phenomenon, it is possible to have a bit of compassion and empathy for those who have lost everything or everyone.

In the time that people get out of harm’s way, there will be ample space to petition for private builders to improve on their designs of these spaces. The people of Hong Kong and other places around the world ought to ensure that their homes are the safest, cleanest, and most sturdy places to inhabit.

When there will be a final death toll, it may balloon larger than just over ten lost souls.

This should all lay at the politician’s feet. For not being able either through ineptitude or sheer malice to construct apartments that would be inferior and not stand up to the flames.

A continuance of private aid ought to quell the raging forces of homelessness and hunger that possibly scores of people will experience in the wake of the fire.

Xi should take most of the blame. With him concentrating on what Presidents Trump and Putin are doing, he’s taking away from his role in getting rid of the regulatory state and dismissing all controls. The institutions regarding the building of these apartments ought to be about making the best materials for the cheapest prices. The private sector ought to make it possible that all of this happens unfettered by the grip of the government.

If this is ever cleared up and the cause found, then Xi should issue a proclamation regarding how non-governmental entities will oversee the building of new safer, stronger towers.

For Hong Kongers, this a chance to petition the government to get rid of any and all constriction posed by the State. After the blaze, it’s the only right thing to do.