Corridors, rooftops, underground parking lots, and other common areas within residential communities are shared spaces belonging to all homeowners, crucial for ensuring access and safety. However, in reality, some residents privately occupy these areas and pile up miscellaneous items, which not only obstructs passage but also creates significant safety hazards.
A recent fire on the 19th-floor rooftop of a high-rise residential building in Dongguan, Guangdong, sent thick, black smoke billowing into the air. After the fire was extinguished, a charred makeshift metal frame structure remained on-site, its original covering completely reduced to ashes. The fire was reportedly caused by clutter accumulated on the rooftop. Fortunately, no casualties resulted from the incident.
In a separate case from July 2024, property management staff at a residential community in Nanning, Guangxi, discovered a large quantity of household items, including appliances and tableware, piled up in the underground parking lot during a routine inspection. To facilitate a prompt cleanup, the property management posted notices warning of the impending removal of the clutter. When the items remained unclaimed by August 18 of the same year, the management proceeded with their disposal. Subsequently, a homeowner, Mr. Liu, sued the property management company, alleging infringement of his property rights and seeking compensation totaling 12,419 yuan for his claimed losses.
On May 8, 2025, the Jiangnan District People's Court in Nanning held a public hearing for the case. The court ultimately ruled that the property management company had fulfilled its obligation to provide notice before disposing of the items and that its cleanup actions were compliant with regulations. The court dismissed Mr. Liu's lawsuit in its entirety, finding no basis for his claimed property values. This case was included in this year's work report of the Supreme People's Court, serving as a reference for clarifying rights and responsibilities in public space management and clutter removal.
Privately occupying or blocking public spaces is prohibited. Rooftops and corridors are not "private courtyards," and parking lots are not "storage warehouses." Unauthorized use of common areas poses serious safety risks and can easily lead to fires. Storing items made of wood, cotton, paper, and similar materials in community public spaces is particularly hazardous, as these can easily ignite upon contact with an open flame.
Such clutter can also impede evacuation and escape. If passages are blocked by piled items, it can hinder resident evacuation during a fire and obstruct firefighting and rescue efforts.
If a fire starts in combustible clutter, how should one seek safety? Upon discovering a fire, call 119 immediately. Assess the situation to evacuate correctly. If the smoke layer is high and does not affect normal breathing, you may move quickly in an upright position. If thick smoke has descended to mouth and nose level, impairing breathing, you must adopt a low, crouching posture to evacuate. Use a self-contained breathing apparatus if available. During evacuation, do not blindly follow panicked crowds. If a passage is already blocked by fire and smoke, move away from the direction of the flames.
Important: Never return to a burning building. If trapped indoors, it is often safer to stay put. Close the room door tightly and seal any gaps with wet towels or cloth. Call for help from a window and wait for rescue. If clothing catches fire, do not run. Instead, drop to the ground and roll, or use heavy clothing to smother the flames. Never use an elevator during a fire, as you could become trapped, complicating rescue efforts.
Clutter represents selfishness, but it endangers lives. Keeping public spaces clear is vital for the safety of every resident. Residents are reminded to report any observed unauthorized structures or improper accumulation of杂物 to their property management or call the fire hazard hotline at 96119. Preventing fire hazards is everyone's responsibility.