Hong Kong authorities are grappling with one of the city’s deadliest residential fires in recent years, as at least 13 people have been confirmed dead following a massive blaze that erupted on the afternoon of 26 November 2025 in the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po District. The fire, which began around 14:50 local time, spread rapidly through multiple high-rise towers, prompting emergency services to raise the alarm to level five, the highest fire emergency in Hong Kong.
Residents and bystanders described harrowing scenes of thick black smoke, flames engulfing upper floors, and falling debris, including parts of bamboo scaffolding, as firefighters worked under extreme conditions. Approximately 767 firefighters, supported by 128 fire trucks and 57 ambulances, were deployed to tackle the inferno. Around 700 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters, while others remained unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continued into the night.
The fire’s rapid spread was fueled by bamboo scaffolding and external construction netting on the buildings, which caught fire and allowed flames to leap from one tower to another. Windy and dry conditions further exacerbated the situation, complicating the efforts of first responders. Among the casualties was a firefighter, highlighting the peril faced by emergency personnel. In addition to the 13 confirmed dead, at least 15 people were injured, some seriously, and many residents continue to be treated for heat-related injuries.
The blaze affected multiple high-rise buildings within a complex that houses roughly 4,800 people across about 2,000 apartments. Authorities have set up temporary shelters and registration points for missing persons to aid displaced families and those searching for loved ones. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether safety regulations were breached.
The tragic fire underscores the dangers associated with aging high-rise buildings, ongoing renovation work, and traditional bamboo scaffolding, which, while common in Hong Kong, can accelerate the spread of flames. Government officials, including Hong Kong’s leadership, have expressed condolences to the victims’ families, and there are calls for stronger fire-safety measures and improved protection for first responders.
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