A significant fire erupted outside Lee Theatre Plaza in Hong Kong’s bustling Causeway Bay district today, November 25, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Shortly before 1 p.m., a large advertising billboard situated high on the exterior of the building along Percival Street became fully engulfed in flames. The incident, characterized by towering flames and substantial plumes of smoke visible across the dense commercial area, led to temporary closures of businesses inside the adjacent shopping center and severely restricted local road traffic.
Emergency Response and Investigation Underway
The Hong Kong Fire Services Department quickly mobilized personnel and equipment to the scene at 99 Percival Street. Firefighters deployed a high-reach aerial ladder and a hose line, with a breathing apparatus team addressing the rapidly spreading blaze. Their coordinated effort focused on extinguishing the fire and ensuring the structural integrity of the affected area. Initial reports suggest that an electrical malfunction may have been the source of the ignition; however, police have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause.
By mid-afternoon, crews had largely contained the fire but remained on site cooling down hot spots to mitigate the risk of reignition. Witnesses reported the visible intensity of the fire, which surged several stories high before being suppressed.
The immediate implications extended beyond the direct damage to the billboard structure. Upon the fire’s outbreak, commercial operators within the Lee Theatre complex and surrounding buildings implemented emergency protocols. Multiple retail outlets inside the mall shuttered their storefronts, suspending trade for safety precautions and due to the heavy smoke infiltration.
Traffic Chaos Grips Commercial Hub
The incident also created substantial transportation disruption in one of Hong Kong’s most heavily transited retail zones. The Transport Department confirmed the full closure of Matheson Street, a critical artery in the Causeway Bay area, as emergency vehicles occupied the roadway and smoke impaired visibility.
The closure had a cascading effect on the surrounding road network, resulting in severe congestion throughout the commercial district during the afternoon rush period. Commuters and local businesses were advised to anticipate significant travel delays and utilize alternative routes or public transport where feasible.
This event underscores the inherent risks associated with high-density commercial infrastructure and large electronic advertising displays in a hyper-urban environment. Investigations will assess not only the cause of the fire but also the protocols related to the maintenance, wiring, and materials used in large-scale outdoor signage to prevent similar incidents in the future. Once the immediate emergency response concludes, attention will shift to rapidly assessing structural and environmental safety and restoring normal retail and traffic flow to this vital commercial hub.