A massive fire erupted at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Tuesday afternoon, rapidly escalating to a No. 4 alarm and triggering a large-scale emergency response that included hospitalizing one critically injured firefighter. The blaze, which reportedly began around 2:51 p.m. on the exterior of Cheong House along Tai Po Road, spread quickly across multiple residential towers, fueled by strong winds and extensive construction scaffolding and netting covering the 42-year-old estate. Authorities urged nearby residents to remain indoors during the active suppression efforts, which continued well into the evening.
The incident commenced shortly before 3 p.m. when thick plumes of smoke and flames were seen emanating from the exterior of one of the residential blocks. Initial reports indicate the fire ignited amid ongoing large-scale renovation work, which encompassed external walls and facades. Fire crews arrived swiftly, but the highly flammable external building materials and strong air currents proved challenging.
Driven by gusts, the flames dramatically jumped across sections of the temporary construction structures, igniting the exterior walls of at least five neighboring buildings within the complex. Loud explosions were sporadically reported by local residents and witnesses as the inferno advanced through the readily available construction nets and scaffolding.
Alarms Raise Amid Deteriorating Conditions
Given the immediate and widespread danger, the Fire Services Department rapidly upgraded the incident alarm level: first to a No. 3 alarm at 3:02 p.m., followed by a further elevation to a No. 4 alarm at 3:34 p.m. This critical increase in classification facilitated the deployment of significantly more manpower and resources necessary to contain the blaze on multiple fronts.
Tragedy struck during the high-stakes rescue operations when a firefighter sustained severe injuries. The first responder reportedly fell while conducting rescue work and was found unconscious, his body blackened by smoke inhalation. After receiving initial first aid at the scene, he was immediately transported to Prince of Wales Hospital for urgent medical treatment. His current condition has not been publicly released by authorities.
Construction Materials Under Scrutiny
Wang Fuk Court, an estate built in 1983, was undergoing extensive refurbishment, including external plastering, wall painting, and the application of pebble-dash finishes. Notices from the owners’ corporation confirmed that these works mandated the installation of substantial external scaffolding and protective safety netting, which inadvertently acted as conduits for the fire’s rapid horizontal spread.
Emergency personnel continued active structural suppression efforts throughout the complex, employing multiple water jets and conducting systematic searches of the high-rise units. Residents were advised to cooperate with authorities, keep windows and doors tightly sealed against smoke infiltration, and avoid the area to ensure the unhindered access and operation of emergency vehicles. Significant traffic diversions were implemented along Tai Po Road.
The Path to Recovery
Once the blaze is fully contained and the site secured, investigations will immediately pivot to determining the exact cause of ignition. Fire officials are expected to scrutinize the role of the external renovation materials, the configuration and flammability of the scaffolding, prevailing wind conditions, and any potential ignition sources on the facade. Following the initial safety clearance, structural assessments will be necessary to determine the integrity of the affected residential blocks. This incident underscores the serious safety risks inherent in combining high-rise residential refurbishment, temporary flammable materials, and adverse weather conditions.