Survivors displaced by the devastating Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po experienced a jarring reminder of their ordeal this past Saturday, December 6, 2025, when a fire alarm sounded at their temporary housing facility in Yuen Long, prompting a hasty evacuation amid already heightened anxieties. The incident, centered at The STEP transitional housing in Ngau Tam Mei, highlighted the severe emotional stress faced by residents recently uprooted by the No. 5 alarm inferno that left numerous casualties and displaced over a thousand families.
Evacuation Rattles Residents Seeking Stability
The morning disruption occurred less than ten days after many residents were relocated across various districts following the catastrophic Tai Po blaze. Around 8:55 a.m., an alarm began blaring through The STEP facility. One survivor, who posted a brief video clip of the chaotic scene on social media at approximately 10 a.m., recounted the profound shock of facing a second emergency evacuation so soon after the first.
The resident detailed the abruptness of the event, stating they awoke to the alarm before starting their morning routine. Driven by the recent trauma, they “sprang up,” quickly gathered essential items—a bag, phone, and warm jacket—and fled downstairs wearing only pajamas and slippers. The post underscored the survivor’s dismay at confronting another emergency so quickly after the catastrophic fire, expressing the unexpected difficulty of finding stability.
The loud alarm continued for nearly an hour, finally ceasing around 9:50 a.m. While security personnel were investigating the situation, residents endured the cold and uncertainty outdoors.
Investigating the Cause of the Scare
Upon investigation, staff confirmed the alarm was a false positive, triggered by residue smoke originating from a nearby unit. Security personnel determined that a neighbor’s burnt breakfast had generated enough smoke to activate the sensors located in both the kitchen and corridor circuits of the building.
The brief all-clear allowed residents to return to their units, although the emotional fallout persisted. The survivor noted fleeting feelings of fear and confusion, admitting that for a moment, they worried they might be experiencing post-disaster hallucinations—a common manifestation of acute stress following tragedy.
Addressing Post-Disaster Trauma in Transitional Housing
The incident at The STEP underscores the critical need for mental health support and trauma-informed safety protocols within transitional housing designated for disaster survivors. While these housing projects provide essential shelter, the environment itself can be a crucible for re-traumatization if safety measures are not handled with sensitivity.
For individuals who have recently endured a life-threatening fire, any unexpected alarm or sensory trigger can instantly transport them back to the original traumatic event. Experts advise property managers of transitional facilities to implement clear, immediate communication systems during any emergency—false or real—to quickly confirm the situation and mitigate compounding stress. Furthermore, easily accessible mental health services, including psychological first aid, are crucial for helping these vulnerable residents process their ongoing anxiety and displacement.
The widespread need for safe, stable recovery environments for those affected by the major Tai Po fire continues, necessitating collaboration between governmental agencies and community support organizations to provide comprehensive care that addresses both physical rehousing and psychological healing.