On November 26, 2025, a devastating fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court public housing complex in Tai Po district, Hong Kong, leaving at least 36 people dead and 279 missing in what is now considered the city's deadliest blaze in nearly three decades. The inferno, which began in the afternoon on the external scaffolding of a 32-storey tower, quickly engulfed seven of the estate's eight high-rise buildings, home to more than 4,000 residents—many of them elderly.
As reported by the Associated Press, the fire's rapid spread was unusual and deeply alarming to authorities. Flames and thick plumes of smoke shot out of windows as night fell, with debris and bamboo scaffolding raining down from the upper floors, creating perilous conditions for both residents and the hundreds of first responders on the scene. The Fire Services Department upgraded the incident to a level 5 alarm, the highest severity, as rescue efforts became increasingly desperate.
"Debris and scaffolding of the affected buildings (is) falling down," noted Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Fire Service operations, during a press briefing. "The temperature inside the buildings concerned is very high. It's difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs to conduct firefighting and rescue operations." According to CNN, Chan also urged those still trapped to seal doors and windows with tape and wet napkins and to call authorities to report their locations.
Hundreds of firefighters, police officers, and paramedics were deployed, utilizing over 140 fire trucks and more than 60 ambulances in a massive emergency response. Yet the intensity of the blaze and the hazardous conditions inside the towers—scorching temperatures, falling debris, and blocked escape routes—made rescue operations excruciatingly slow and dangerous. Some residents remained trapped well into the night, as crews struggled to reach upper floors.
The tragedy was compounded by the loss of a firefighter, 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, who died in the line of duty. The Secretary for Security, Tang Ping-keung, paid tribute to Ho, and Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung pledged, "We will make every effort to help the family of Mr Ho during this sad and difficult period." Another firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion.
Wang Fuk Court, built in the 1980s, consists of eight towers with at least 31 storeys each and nearly 2,000 residential units. The complex was undergoing a major renovation at the time of the fire, with bamboo scaffolding and green construction netting enveloping the buildings—a common sight in Hong Kong, where bamboo has been used for centuries due to its strength and flexibility. However, as BBC reported, bamboo scaffolding has come under scrutiny for its combustibility and mechanical weaknesses. Local authorities had already begun phasing out bamboo for public projects earlier in the year after a series of scaffolding-related accidents.
According to CNN, firefighters on the scene noted that polystyrene boards, which are highly flammable, had been used to block windows in several apartments. Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung stated, "These polystyrene boards are extremely inflammable and the fire spread very rapidly. Their presence was unusual so we have referred the incident to the police for further enquiries." This, combined with the bamboo scaffolding and windy weather, likely contributed to the blaze's extraordinary speed and reach.
Evacuation efforts were swift but harrowing. About 900 residents were moved to temporary shelters, including sports centers and schools hastily converted to house the displaced. Many evacuees, especially the elderly, arrived with little more than the clothes on their backs, their few possessions scattered or lost in the chaos. Volunteers and staff distributed bottled water, food, and blankets as the community rallied to support those suddenly made homeless.
District Officer for Tai Po, Eunice Chan Hau-man, described the scene at a local shelter to CNN: "The mood is quiet and somber, with staff sitting around the room, speaking in whispers." One elderly man recounted to reporters how he had just returned from a trip to mainland China, only to find his newly renovated apartment destroyed. "It's all burnt," he said simply, echoing the heartbreak felt by many.
Hong Kong's Chief Executive, John Lee, called the disaster "a major disaster" and offered condolences to the families of the deceased and those injured. "We will provide all necessary assistance," Lee said at a news conference, pledging a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. He emphasized that authorities would examine whether the protective materials used during the renovation met fire safety standards: "We will hold those accountable in accordance with the laws and regulations." Police have set up a task force to investigate, focusing on the role of bamboo scaffolding, flammable window coverings, and the adequacy of fireproofing measures.
Police have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the blaze, as reported by the Associated Press and CNN. Details about the suspects and their possible involvement have not yet been released, but further updates are expected as the investigation proceeds.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping also weighed in, expressing condolences to the victims and their families through state broadcaster CCTV. Xi urged "all-out efforts" to minimize casualties and losses, and the Central Committee and Hong Kong Liaison Office have established close contact with local authorities to support rescue and recovery operations.
The Wang Fuk Court fire has drawn comparisons to previous tragedies, including the 1996 blaze in Kowloon that killed 41 people and the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London. Experts point out that while Hong Kong's building codes are generally strict and the city has a strong safety record, the combination of aging infrastructure, renovation work, and traditional construction methods can create unforeseen risks—especially in high-density, high-rise environments.
For the survivors, the road ahead will be long and fraught with challenges. Many have lost not only their homes but also their sense of security. As one resident told TVB, "I've given up thinking about my property. Watching it burn like that was really frustrating." The tragedy has reignited debate over the continued use of bamboo scaffolding and the need for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations, particularly in public housing estates that serve Hong Kong's most vulnerable populations.
As emergency crews continue their search for the missing and authorities begin the painstaking process of investigating the cause, the city of Hong Kong mourns its dead and confronts uncomfortable questions about safety, accountability, and the future of its iconic skyline.
