Hong Kong’s government has mounted an extensive, multi-faceted relief and recovery operation following the catastrophic No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which resulted in significant casualties. Chief Executive John Lee convened an urgent cross-departmental meeting to coordinate immediate response efforts across four critical areas: controlling the blaze and rescue, treating the injured, providing comprehensive post-incident support, and launching a thorough investigation into the cause. The unified government effort, involving numerous bureaus and departments, aims to offer both immediate financial and emotional assistance, as well as securing long-term housing solutions for affected residents.
Unified Government Response and Ongoing Rescue
The large-scale operation saw high-level officials, including Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung, visit the devastating scene. While the Fire Services Department successfully contained fires in seven of the eight affected residential blocks, full search, rescue, and firefighting operations continued on the remaining floors. Amidst the chaos, the department received 346 calls for assistance, processing 296 of them efficiently.
In parallel, a massive medical support effort was activated. The Primary Healthcare Commission mobilized professionals from both public and private sectors, deploying over 250 doctors and more than 250 other healthcare workers to staff temporary shelters from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. These stations provide basic assessments, referrals, minor injury treatment, and crucial psychological support for non-emergency needs.
Immediate Relief and Long-Term Rehousing
To focus government resources entirely on recovery, the Chief Executive instructed the Civil Service Bureau to activate the Government-wide Mobilisation mechanism, ensuring adequate manpower for all follow-up work. Non-essential public activities and government-organized celebrations were cancelled or postponed.
Addressing the immediate needs of the displaced residents, nine shelters were opened, currently housing over 500 individuals. For short- and medium-term accommodation, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau secured approximately 1,000 units from youth hostels and hotels for temporary stays of one to two weeks. Looking ahead, the government began coordinating with the Hong Kong Housing Society to secure an estimated 1,800 transitional and dedicated rehousing units for long-term placement.
The Social Welfare Department deployed social workers, clinical psychologists, and support staff to deliver tailored support using a “one social worker per household” approach, encompassing emotional counseling, financial aid, and specific residential and child-care services. Critically, to ease immediate financial strain, the government initiated an emergency cash subsidy of HK$10,000 per affected household. A dedicated Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po was established with a HK$300 million seed allocation, welcoming community donations through designated bank accounts.
Launching a Comprehensive Investigation
Authorities have swiftly initiated a rigorous investigation into the fire’s origins, including potential regulatory failures. Police detained two directors and an engineering consultant from a construction company in connection with the incident, seizing materials suspected of failing to meet safety standards.
The incident has triggered a wider safety review of construction practices across Hong Kong:
- Building Inspections: The Buildings Department and the Independent Checking Unit mandated that all registered building professionals and contractors review records concerning the fire-retardant properties of protective nets and materials used in scaffolding across both new and maintenance projects.
- Safety Audits: Authorities are conducting a special inspection operation on all existing buildings undergoing external wall works with scaffolding to proactively verify safety records; the government is seeking assistance from the Mainland to bolster sample testing capacity.
- Industry Reform: The Development Bureau met with industry representatives to accelerate the adoption of metal scaffolding over traditional bamboo alternatives, and the Buildings Department will review existing regulations governing scaffolding and protective nets.
Funeral support has also been addressed, with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department promising special arrangements for cremation services and columbarium niches, ensuring full support for bereaved families during this difficult time.
The widespread government action reflects a profound commitment to assisting the victims and addressing systemic safety issues that may have contributed to the tragedy. Memorial arrangements, including flying flags at half-mast and the opening of condolence books, will be announced shortly to allow the community to express their grief.