When an inferno tore through Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, the resulting catastrophe claimed the lives of 13 individuals, including one firefighter, and injured at least 15 others. The highly destructive blaze rapidly engulfed seven of the estate’s eight residential blocks after fire reportedly spread along exterior bamboo scaffolding, trapping numerous residents for hours as thick, black smoke choked the sky over Hong Kong.
The emergency response, initially logged as a minor No. 1 fire alarm, quickly escalated as the severity of the situation became apparent. By 3:34 p.m., the alarm level was raised to No. 4, and by 6:22 p.m., it reached the maximum No. 5 level—the highest classification denoting the most severe incidents in Hong Kong’s fire safety scale. This dramatic escalation highlighted the speed and intensity with which the structures were compromised.
Rapid Spread and Response Challenges
Police and Fire Services received a torrent of distress calls as the fire began, primarily centered on the Wang Cheong House, a 32-story block where the exterior scaffolding apparently ignited, allowing flames to pierce flats and subsequently spread to adjacent towers. Footage from the scene showed scaffolding outside multiple units fully ablaze, with burning green safety netting falling to the ground. The blaze was exacerbated by challenging conditions, including high winds and the difficulty of navigating the severely damaged structures.
A total of 760 emergency personnel were mobilized to tackle the colossal event. Firefighters deployed seven turntable ladder appliances to douse peripheral flames. A key defensive strategy involved utilizing the single unaffected tower to positional hoses on the roof, creating a boundary dousing and protecting neighboring buildings. Despite these efforts, the commander-on-site cited worsening conditions—including constant falling debris and a surge in rescue requests—as key factors necessitating the alarm escalation.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
The human toll was immediate and tragic. Of 28 casualties processed by rescue teams, nine were pronounced dead at the scene. Among those critically injured, four later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, bringing the death tally to 13.
The emergency personnel themselves also suffered injuries and loss. A principal fire officer sustained a leg injury, another firefighter suffered heat exhaustion, and tragically, one firefighter was killed while attempting to save residents.
As conditions deteriorated and interior floors became inaccessible due to extreme heat, the Fire Services Department issued urgent public safety guidance at 8:31 p.m. for residents still trapped. They advised occupants to remain indoors if their flats were still safe, close all doors and windows, and seal gaps using wet towels and adhesive tape to mitigate smoke ingress. They further urged trapped persons to continuously communicate their unit numbers and headcounts by phone to assist rescue coordination.
Senior divisional commanders were assigned to each of the seven affected towers to streamline the intense and hazardous rescue operation. While the immediate focus was on recovery and support for the affected families, the incident is expected to prompt an immediate and thorough investigation into the city’s construction safety protocols, particularly regarding the materials and management of exterior scaffolding on high-rise residential buildings. The unprecedented spread of the fire serves as a stark reminder of the devastating potential of urban fires in densely populated high-rise environments.