On December 18th, a netizen from Zhuhai, Guangdong, posted a video on social media claiming that a fire broke out in the middle-floor unit of a building in the Greenview Seaview Bay community in Zhuhai, with thick smoke billowing.
Other netizens revealed that the fire was not accidental, but rather intentionally set by an owner. Chat records online indicate that this owner, who appears to have unstable emotions, first said in a group chat, “I accidentally set fire while smoking and drinking,” then later declared, “I want to set the house on fire,” asking the housekeeper to notify residents to evacuate. Subsequently, the owner continued to say, “If you don’t want to die, please leave. I’ll set it on fire if you don’t leave,” and later posted pictures claiming, “It’s already on fire.”
The incident quickly became a hot topic on Weibo, with angry comments condemning the owner for arson and disregarding human life, especially following the recent tragic fire in Hong Kong. Some netizens pointed out that being drunk is not an excuse and that such behavior goes far beyond a mere joke. If arson poses a threat to public safety, it may even constitute a crime of arson, requiring more severe criminal liability.
Some residents expressed fear of the owner committing arson and urged them to stay calm. A video circulating online showed thick black smoke billowing from a room in the building, creating a frightening scene.
The Xiaoxiang Morning News immediately contacted the Zhuhai Police 110 hotline, where the personnel confirmed that the fire had been extinguished following a report of the incident, with no casualties or injuries.
There were reports that the owner is known for causing trouble while drunk on a regular basis, suggesting that this behavior is not an isolated incident.
It is worth noting that in the wake of the recent fire at the Hongfu Court in Hong Kong, several fire incidents have occurred on the Chinese mainland, including a residential fire in Shantou that claimed 12 lives. These incidents have raised concerns among the public regarding the safety hazards in residential environments.