The focal point for mourning following the devastating five-alarm Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po has concluded its public activities, as authorities and volunteers cleared a significant volume of tributes on Monday morning. For nearly two weeks, the Kwong Fuk Sitting-out Area served as an emotional gathering place where residents honored the victims of the recent blaze by leaving flowers, messages, and tangible keepsakes.
Community Memorial Period Ends Peacefully
The clearance operation commenced late Sunday evening, December 7, after organizers formally announced the closure of the informal memorial site. Dedicated to those lost in the fatal apartment building fire, the area had seen an outpouring of community grief, characterized by continuous visits from residents laying floral tributes, constructing paper cranes, and sharing handwritten condolences. Organizers managing the “flower bed” and “message pavilion” confirmed the closure would take effect just before midnight.
Official reports indicate that the decision to remove the tributes was made following coordination between site organizers and authorities. By 10:30 p.m. Sunday, the area ceased accepting new offerings, and those present agreed to depart voluntarily, ensuring a smooth transition for the subsequent clearance team.
The overnight action saw the meticulous removal of every item by cleaning staff, volunteers, and members of the Civil Aid Service. Floral tributes were systematically collected and loaded into municipal refuse containers, while volunteers carefully used scissors to detach message cards from display boards—a testament to the emotional value placed on each contribution.
Respectful Disposal and Distribution Efforts
Central to the clearance operation was a plan for the respectful disposition of the collected items. It is understood that most paper offerings and floral tributes will be cremated, a common practice ensuring respectful closure. Meanwhile, items with potential utility, specifically soft toys, pet toys, and non-perishable food items, are slated for donation. These goods will be passed on to local social welfare organizations for distribution to vulnerable populations, transforming expressions of sorrow into direct community aid.
Due to the sheer volume of donations accumulated over the 10-day period, the clearance effort was anticipated to last throughout the night. By Monday morning, December 8, the Kwong Fuk Sitting-out Area had been completely restored, with no further memorial items visible and no residents observed returning to the location to pay respects.
The peaceful conclusion to the mourning period marks a necessary step for the community to transition toward recovery following the devastating incident. While the public outpouring of grief has subsided geographically, the effort to honor the victims through respectful clearance and charitable donation ensures that the community’s heartfelt response will continue to have a lasting, positive impact on those in need across Tai Po. Moving forward, authorities and social services will likely focus on providing long-term support for the displaced residents and families directly affected by the Wang Fuk Court tragedy.