Hong Kong is reeling from a catastrophic fire that erupted this afternoon in the northern district of Tai Po, engulfing multiple high-rise residential towers at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate. By evening, the death toll had climbed to at least 14, including a brave firefighter, with more than 20 injured and hundreds evacuated amid thick black smoke and falling debris. This is the deadliest fire in the city since 1996, when 41 people perished in a Kowloon commercial building blaze. Authorities have declared it a Level 5 incident—the highest alarm rating—highlighting the scale of the emergency.
What started as a suspected spark in bamboo scaffolding during renovation work quickly spread across seven connected towers housing around 2,000 apartments. Firefighters, numbering over 700, are still battling flames that have resisted containment for hours, with reports of residents trapped on upper floors.
Key Developments: The Fire’s Rapid Spread
- Ignition and Initial Response (2:00–3:00 p.m.): The fire broke out around 2 p.m. at Block 8 of Wang Fuk Court, a public housing complex built in the 1980s. Witnesses reported a sudden flare-up in temporary bamboo scaffolding used for exterior repairs, a common but increasingly scrutinized practice in Hong Kong. Within minutes, flames leaped to adjacent blocks via the scaffolding, igniting cladding and spreading vertically.
- Escalation (3:00–5:00 p.m.): By 3:30 p.m., the blaze had consumed parts of Blocks 7, 8, and 9, with fire jumping to Blocks 1–3. Thick smoke poured into the sky, visible from across the harbor, triggering immediate evacuations. The Tai Po Road highway was closed, diverting buses and causing gridlock.
- Peak Crisis (5:00–7:00 p.m.): At least 700 residents were rescued or self-evacuated, many via ladders or stairs amid choking fumes. The first fatalities were confirmed around 5:45 p.m., including elderly residents unable to escape. A 37-year-old firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, collapsed during operations and was later pronounced dead, hailed as a hero by officials.
- Evening Update (7:00 p.m. onward): As of 10 p.m., the fire was partially under control in lower blocks, but upper floors in Blocks 4–6 remained dangerous. Debris continued to fall, and search-and-rescue teams combed for trapped individuals. The death toll rose to 14 (13 civilians, 1 firefighter), with 28 injured—mostly from smoke inhalation and burns.
Impact at a Glance
| Aspect | Details | Status (as of 10 p.m.) |
|---|---|---|
| Casualties | 14 dead (including 1 firefighter); 28 injured | Ongoing medical triage |
| Evacuations | ~700 residents from 7 affected blocks; temporary shelters at Tai Po Sports Centre | All accounted for; family reunification in progress |
| Affected Structures | 7 high-rise towers (20–30 stories each) at Wang Fuk Court | Partial structural damage; full assessment pending |
| Response Resources | 70+ fire engines, 700+ firefighters, 200+ police officers | Level 5 alarm; mutual aid from neighboring districts |
| Disruptions | Tai Po Road closed; bus routes 73X, 74X diverted; MTR delays | Expected to last through Thursday morning |
Official Response and Statements
Hong Kong’s government mobilized swiftly, with Chief Executive John Lee cutting short a trip to visit the site by 6 p.m. He addressed the media, visibly emotional:
“This tragedy strikes at the heart of our community. We mourn the loss of lives, including our gallant firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who gave everything to save others. Full resources are committed to securing the site and supporting families.”
Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung praised the response:
“The fire’s ferocity, fueled by the scaffolding, made this a nightmare scenario. Our teams worked heroically under extreme conditions.” He announced an immediate review of bamboo scaffolding safety, noting recent incidents in April, May, and October.
The Fire Services Department (FSD) Director Andy Yeung confirmed the Level 5 classification, the first since 2008:
“We expect operations to continue overnight. No estimate on full control yet, but we’ve saved hundreds of lives today.” The FSD reported using drones for thermal imaging and high-reach ladders to access upper floors.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences via state media, expressing solidarity with affected families.
Community and Social Media Reaction
The fire has united Hong Kong in grief and solidarity. Volunteers from the Hong Kong Red Cross and local NGOs delivered water, masks, and hot meals to evacuees at shelters. Social media exploded with support:
- On Weibo, #香港大火 (Hong Kong Fire) trended with over 150 million views in hours, featuring eyewitness videos of flames leaping between towers.
- Instagram and Facebook posts from @hongkongfp and @scmpnews showed harrowing images of smoke blanketing Tai Po, amassing 2+ million interactions.
- Heartbreaking stories emerged, like 71-year-old Wong reacting to fears his wife was trapped, shared widely on Xiaohongshu.
Local councillor contributions highlighted: “Families are desperate for news—councils are manning hotlines for missing relatives.”
Broader Context: Fire Safety in Hong Kong
This incident underscores ongoing concerns about urban fire risks in one of the world’s densest cities. Bamboo scaffolding, while traditional and cost-effective, has been linked to multiple fires this year. The government phased it out for public projects in early 2025, but private renovations lag behind. Building standards have improved since the 1990s, yet the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims warns of complacency.
Compared to the 1996 Garley Building fire (41 deaths), today’s blaze spread faster due to interconnected scaffolding, but quicker evacuations—thanks to modern alarms and drills—likely saved many lives.
Outlook and Next Steps
Fire officials anticipate the blaze could be downgraded by Thursday morning if winds remain calm (current gusts: 20–30 km/h). Rain is forecast for Friday, aiding cleanup. Investigations into the cause—possibly electrical fault in scaffolding—will take weeks, with a task force announced tonight.
Support hotlines: FSD (2723 8787) for missing persons; Social Welfare Department (2343 2255) for aid. Donations via the Community Chest are pouring in, topping HK$5 million already.
Hong Kong’s resilience shines in crisis. Our thoughts are with Tai Po tonight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly happened in Tai Po today?
A massive fire broke out at around 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday 26 November 2025 at Wang Fuk Court, a public housing estate in Tai Po. It started in bamboo scaffolding on Block 8 during renovation work and rapidly spread to six other connected blocks. As of midnight, at least 14 people have died and more than 28 are injured.
How many people have died?
As of the latest official update (11:30 p.m.), 14 people are confirmed dead: 13 residents and 1 firefighter (Ho Wai-ho, aged 37). The death toll may rise as search-and-rescue continues overnight.
What caused the fire?
The exact cause is still under investigation, but preliminary reports point to a spark in the bamboo scaffolding used for external renovation. Strong winds and highly flammable materials helped the fire spread extremely quickly between blocks.
Is the fire under control now?
No. As of midnight 26–27 November, the fire is only partially under control. Lower floors are mostly extinguished, but pockets of flame remain on upper floors of Blocks 4–6. Firefighters expect to work through the night.
How many people have been evacuated?
More than 700 residents from the seven worst-affected blocks have been evacuated. They are staying in temporary shelters at Tai Po Sports Centre, Fu Shin Sports Centre, and nearby schools.
Are there still people trapped inside?
Rescue teams are still searching upper floors with thermal-imaging drones and ladder platforms. A small number of residents remain unaccounted for, but most have been located or self-evacuated.
Is it safe to be in Tai Po right now?
Residents within 500 metres of Wang Fuk Court are advised to keep windows closed due to toxic smoke. Tai Po Road remains closed. The rest of Tai Po is safe but air quality is poor.
Will there be an investigation?
Yes. Chief Executive John Lee has already ordered a full independent inquiry into the cause, the use of bamboo scaffolding, building safety standards, and the emergency response. Results are expected within 3–6 months.
