Tai Po Residential Fire (2025)

The 2025 Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Fire was a major fire that occurred on 26 November 2025 at Wang Fuk Court, an eight-block public housing estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, within the New Territories. The fire has been recorded as the deadliest residential fire in Hong Kong in the past seventy years.

Fire authorities reported that the first alarm was received at 14:51 local time and that due to the rapid spread of flames, the incident was escalated to a “Level 4” alert at 15:34 and then to a “Level 5” alert at 18:22. In Hong Kong, fires are classified on a scale from 1 to 5 based on their severity, with Level 5 being the highest alert level in the city. This incident marked the first time a Level 5 alert had been issued since the 2008 Cornwall Court fire, 17 years earlier.

Features of the Housing Estate and Renovation Works

Wang Fuk Court is a public housing complex consisting of eight residential blocks located in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong. The complex provides accommodation for approximately 1,984 units and around 4,000 residents. Each building is 31 storeys high. At the time of the incident, renovation work was ongoing on the exterior facades of all buildings, which were encircled by temporary bamboo scaffolding.

According to investigation documents, the rapid spread of the fire was significantly influenced by the use of polystyrene insulation panels and plastic mesh cladding not approved for fire resistance on the building exteriors. Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, stated during initial assessments that “the materials covering the building walls, the mesh around the scaffolding, and the waterproof tarpaulin caused flames to spread much faster than would be expected with materials compliant with safety standards.”

On 27 November 2025, two managers and a consultant engineer from the construction company responsible for the Wang Fuk Court renovation were taken into custody on charges of “gross negligence” and “manslaughter”. The Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) also launched a separate investigation into allegations of possible corruption related to the HK$330 million renovation contract.

Authorities determined that the scaffolding system and mesh cladding used in the facade renovation did not comply with existing fire safety regulations. In response, Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, ordered “comprehensive inspections to be launched across the city” for all public housing projects undergoing similar renovation works.

Tai Po Housing Fire, 26 November 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

Progression of the Fire and Response Operations

Origin of the Fire

According to fire service records, the first alarm was raised at 14:51 local time on 26 November 2025. The fire was reported to have originated in the Wang Cheong House block and quickly spread to adjacent buildings. The blaze rapidly jumped to Wang Tai House, Wang Yan House, Wang Shing House, and other blocks after igniting the bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh cladding.

Initially classified as a “Level 1” alert, the fire was escalated to “Level 4” within 15 minutes and then to the highest possible level, a “Level 5” alert at 18:22. This was the first Level 5 alert issued in Hong Kong in 17 years, with the previous occurrence being the 2008 Cornwall Court fire.

Response and Rescue Operations

Deputy Director of the Fire Services Department, Derek Armstrong Chan, stated in a press briefing that 767 firefighters, 128 fire appliances, and 57 ambulances were deployed to combat the blaze. Simultaneously, 400 police officers were assigned to manage evacuations and security measures in the surrounding area.

Police authorities confirmed that even three hours after the fire began, calls for help were still being received, particularly from individuals trapped on the upper floors. The Fire Services Department established a casualty hotline at 1878999 to allow residents to report emergencies. Meanwhile, the Tai Po District Office set up an assistance desk within the Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, providing information via the hotline number 2658 4040.

Fire officials noted that rescue operations were severely hampered by extremely high temperatures, poor visibility, and the risk of structural collapse. When teams could not enter the buildings, water was sprayed onto the flames from aerial platforms and elevated ladders.

On the morning of November 27, authorities announced that the fire had been fully extinguished in four buildings, while flames in the remaining three blocks were under control. Fire department official Wong Ka-wing stated during a press briefing: “The fire has been largely extinguished in four blocks. In the remaining three blocks, flames are still burning but have been brought under control.”

According to Fire Services Department data, 341 emergency calls were received during the fire, of which 279 were successfully resolved. On the morning of November 27, rescue teams successfully evacuated an elderly man from the 31st floor, fitted him with a breathing apparatus, and extracted him from the roof.

Deaths, Injuries and Missing Persons

Initial statements by authorities at the start of the fire reported four deaths and eight injuries, with one of the deceased identified as a firefighter. According to China Daily, by 18:00 four deaths and three critical injuries had been confirmed. In the following hours, the death toll rose rapidly. According to the South China Morning Post, by the evening of November 26, 13 people had died, including one firefighter, and at least 16 others had sustained critical injuries. That same night, during operations involving 767 firefighters and 400 police officers, numerous injured were transported to hospitals.

By the morning of November 27, 2025, official figures indicated that the death toll had risen to 55. Of these, 51 died at the scene and four died in hospitals. A total of 279 people were still reported missing. Of the 68 individuals hospitalized, 16 were in critical condition, 25 in serious condition, and the rest stable. Most of the injured were taken to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital.

On November 28, 2025, Hong Kong Fire Services Department officials announced that, to date, 83 people had died in the fire, including one firefighter, and 76 people had been injured, 11 of whom were firefighters. They also reported that of the 341 rescue calls received so far, responders had been unable to reach 50. The fire, which engulfed three of seven 31-story apartment buildings in a site estimated to house around 4,000 people, had been brought under control, but firefighting efforts had been ongoing for approximately 36 hours.

Fire Services Director Andy Yeung Yan-kin confirmed the death of 37-year-old firefighter Ho Wai-ho. According to Yeung, Ho arrived at the scene at 03:01, lost contact with his team at 03:30, was found with severe burns at 04:01, and died at Prince of Wales Hospital at 04:45.

Fire Services Department official Wong Ka-wing, during the November 27 briefing, stated that rescue teams had resolved 279 of the 341 emergency calls, adding regarding the remaining calls: “There are some numbers we have not been able to reach, but we will continue searching.” Authorities also noted that many of the missing were elderly individuals and those with limited mobility.

Tai Po Residential Fire, November 26, 2025 - (Anadolu Ajansı)

Evacuations, Shelters and Public Situation

After the fire engulfed seven of the eight blocks, police carried out widespread evacuations across the area. Residents of Kwong Lai House and Kwong Yau House in the neighboring Kwong Fuk Estate were also evacuated as a precaution. Police and fire teams conducted evacuation operations via stairwells and rooftops, using ladder trucks and breathing apparatus to reach people trapped on upper floors.

Opening of Temporary Shelters

On the same day, the Tai Po District Office and Fire Services Department established multiple temporary shelters for those affected by the fire. These centers provided accommodation for between 700 and 900 people. The shelters opened were:

• Kwong Fuk Community Hall (Kwong Fuk Estate, Tai Po)
• Tung Cheong Street Community Hall (25 Tung Cheong Street, Tai Po)
• CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School
• Tai Po Community Centre
• Fu Shin Sports Centre

Eunice Chan, a Tai Po District official, stated in a press briefing on November 27 that approximately 700 people were staying in the temporary shelters. Additionally, the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong allocated accommodation capacity for 900 people at the Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village camp for affected residents.

As of 28 November, it was reported that two additional sites had been evacuated, and 900 people affected by the fire had taken shelter in the eight temporary shelters established.

Help Desks and Communication Lines

A help desk has been set up within the Lice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, and information has been provided through the hotline number 2658 4040. The police have also activated the “casualty hotline” at number 1878999 for families of missing persons.

By the morning of 27 November, hundreds of calls had been received on the assistance lines, and rescue teams were dispatched to the addresses of individuals who could not be reached by phone. Fire services official Wong Ka-wing stated: “Our teams will maintain contact by phone with those still unaccounted for… we have some numbers we have not been able to reach, but we will continue our efforts.”

At least six schools have suspended classes following the fire, and more than 40 bus routes have been rerouted. Traffic on Tai Po Road has been fully closed in areas near the fire zone, with vehicles temporarily diverted away from Sha Tin.

Investigation and Arrests

Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang, in a statement on 27 November 2025, indicated that the reasons for the unusually rapid spread of the fire were under investigation. Tang revealed that preliminary inspections found the materials used in the building’s external cladding did not meet fire safety standards. He stated: “The material covering the building walls, along with the scaffolding netting and waterproof tarpaulin, caused flames to spread far more rapidly than materials compliant with safety standards.”

As of the morning of 27 November 2025, two managers of the construction company and one consulting engineer were arrested on charges of gross negligence and manslaughter in connection with the fire. Hong Kong Police Force Chief Inspector Eileen Chung Lai-yee said: “We have grounds to believe that those responsible within the company acted with gross negligence, leading to the fire spreading rapidly and resulting in numerous fatalities.”

Preliminary investigations indicate that styrofoam insulation panels applied to the building exteriors, along with plastic mesh coverings, enabled flames to spread rapidly between blocks. Authorities determined that these materials failed to meet the fire safety regulations stipulated in Hong Kong’s codes.

An additional investigation has been launched by the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) into allegations of bribery and irregularities related to the HK$330 million renovation project. According to SCMP, the Commission stated: “The anti-bribery team has initiated an investigation into the HK$330 million renovation works.” Police have also conducted searches at the offices of the contractor responsible for the site’s maintenance and management.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has ordered inspections of all ongoing facade renovation projects in public housing estates. Lee stated: “I have directed that all public housing estates undergoing major renovation be inspected.” While investigations continue, safety units and construction experts are conducting fire engineering analyses to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Official Responses and Statements

Hong Kong Administration

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu convened an emergency meeting on the evening of 26 November, attended by ministers for security, health, and housing. Reports from the Fire Services Department and the Security Bureau were reviewed. In a statement posted on his social media account, Lee said: “The fire has resulted in numerous casualties and injuries. I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and those who were injured.”

The government announced the establishment of an “emergency incident monitoring and support center” to coordinate efforts among the Security Bureau, the Fire Services Department, and the Home Affairs Department in response to the fire.

People’s Republic of China’s Response

Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to those affected by the incident on 27 November 2025. According to a statement released by China Central Television (CCTV), Xi said: “I conveyed my condolences to the families of victims and those affected by the disaster, and called for all possible efforts to fully extinguish the fire and minimize loss of life and property.” The Chinese government also announced the allocation of a Red Cross emergency relief fund amounting to 2 million yuan (approximately US$282,000).

National and Local Aid

On 27 November 2025, the Jack Ma Foundation, Alibaba Group, and Ant Group announced a combined donation of HK$60 million (approximately US$8 million) to support families affected by the fire, firefighters, and rescue teams. In its press release, the foundation stated: “The foundation offers its condolences to the families of victims and expresses admiration for the courage of firefighters and emergency personnel.” As part of the first phase of aid from Alibaba and Ant Group, Caíniao Logistics delivered food, clothing, and essential supplies to shelters.

Legislative Council Election Process

Following the fire, Chief Executive Lee announced that all political parties had temporarily suspended their campaign activities ahead of the upcoming 7 December 2025 Legislative Council (LegCo) elections. Lee stated: “Campaigns have been suspended ahead of the 7 December Legislative Council elections, and the necessity of postponing the elections will be reviewed.”

Social and Civil Responses

In the aftermath of the fire, numerous civilian volunteers and aid organizations organized relief efforts around the Tai Po MTR station to support local residents. The Hong Kong Red Cross activated a psychological support hotline for those affected by the fire. The hotline operated until midnight on 26 November, and then from 10:00 to 22:00 on Thursday and Friday. The organization stated that the hotline was staffed by more than 20 psychologists and trained volunteers. The public received assistance and counseling through the support line at 51645040.

Two animal ambulances were dispatched to the scene as part of a rescue operation led by the Hong Kong Pet Club. The organization’s manager, Zoie Cheng Kam-shan, said: “We have received over 70 reports and are still receiving more. We estimate the total number of animals involved will exceed 100.” The rescued pets have been transported to nearby veterinary clinics.