A swift-moving fire engulfed a ground-floor commercial unit in Yuen Long late this afternoon, triggering a major emergency response and severely disrupting traffic along a central artery in the district. The incident, which occurred at approximately 4:51 p.m. on November 12, 2025, involved a storefront located at 163 Castle Peak Road–Yuen Long.
Thick plumes of smoke and visible flames erupted from the premises, prompting multiple emergency calls from concerned onlookers. Fire Services Department personnel rapidly deployed to the scene and brought the serious blaze under control using concentrated hose streams. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, as approximately 10 individuals successfully evacuated the building themselves immediately following the outbreak.
Emergency Response and Traffic Devastation
The rapid onset of the fire, occurring just as the evening rush hour began, necessitated significant operational adjustments by both first responders and transportation officials. The priority was containment and ensuring public safety.
The incident’s location on Castle Peak Road, a vital link in the New Territories, had immediate implications for local commuters. To facilitate firefighting efforts and manage the chaotic situation, authorities implemented a complete closure of all lanes heading toward MTR Yuen Long Station near Hong Lok Road.
This closure immediately caused severe travel disruption. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes as traffic congestion quickly mounted throughout the surrounding vicinity. Local law enforcement worked to reroute vehicles and mitigate the gridlock caused by the unexpected obstruction.
Fire Safety Reminders for Businesses
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the incident serves as a crucial reminder for commercial tenants about maintaining stringent fire safety protocols, especially in high-density urban areas like Yuen Long. The rapid self-evacuation by the building’s occupants was critical in preventing casualties.
Commercial operators should regularly review and test the following safety measures:
- Evacuation Plans: Clearly marked and well-practiced evacuation routes are essential for all employees and customers.
- Fire Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that extinguishers, alarms, and sprinkler systems (if applicable) are regularly inspected and certified.
- Clear Exits: Keep all fire exits, hallways, and stairwells completely free of clutter and obstructions.
- Electrical Safety: Avoid overloading electrical circuits and regularly inspect wiring and appliances for signs of wear or damage.
The coordinated response by the Fire Services Department successfully contained what could have been a much larger disaster, particularly given the close proximity of neighboring shops and residential structures along Castle Peak Road.
Although the fire was quickly suppressed, the ripple effects on transportation highlight the extreme vulnerability of Hong Kong’s main arterial roads to unexpected incidents. Authorities will monitor the cleanup and assessment of structural damage before fully reopening all affected lanes, and drivers should anticipate residual delays throughout the area into the evening. Residents can consult official traffic updates from the Transport Department for the latest reopening times and alternative travel suggestions.