A devastating fire has ripped through a residential high-rise complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, claiming at least 13 lives and leaving 28 others injured in one of the city’s deadliest blazes in recent years. The inferno, which erupted mid-afternoon on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, engulfed multiple blocks of the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, trapping residents and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky as firefighters battled the flames late into the night.
Fire Engulfs Multiple Blocks
The fire began on the exterior of the complex, rapidly spreading across
bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that had been erected for ongoing renovation work. Video footage from the scene showed
bright flames and smoke shooting from multiple apartment windows as the blaze leapt from building to building. The complex, which houses nearly 2,000 apartments and about 4,800 residents, was quickly evacuated, with
about 700 people displaced and moved to temporary shelters set up by district officials.
Trapped Residents and Elderly Victims
Local authorities reported that many of the residents trapped in the fire were
elderly, making evacuation especially difficult. District Council member Lo Hiu-fung told local TV that most of those trapped were older adults, highlighting the vulnerability of the population in the affected buildings. Police received multiple calls from people reporting loved ones trapped inside, but details about the exact circumstances remain unclear.
Firefighters Battle the Blaze
The Hong Kong Fire Services Department responded with
128 fire trucks and 57 ambulances, deploying firefighters to ladder trucks to douse the flames from above. The blaze was escalated to a
level 5 alarm, the highest severity rating, as the fire raged on into the night. Tragically,
one firefighter died in the line of duty, and another was hospitalized with heat exhaustion.
Bamboo Scaffolding Under Scrutiny
The use of bamboo scaffolding, a common sight in Hong Kong for building renovations, has come under renewed scrutiny. The government had announced earlier this year that it would begin phasing out bamboo scaffolding for public projects due to safety concerns, but the practice remains widespread in private developments.
Community Impact and Aftermath
Residents described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking. “I’ve given up thinking about my property,” said a man identified only as Wu, watching his home burn. “Watching it burn like that was really frustrating.” The fire has left hundreds homeless, with district officials scrambling to provide temporary shelter and support.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the rapid spread of the flames—fueled by the scaffolding and construction materials—has raised questions about building safety standards and emergency preparedness in Hong Kong’s aging housing estates.
What This Means
The Tai Po fire is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by high-rise living in densely populated cities, especially when renovation work is underway. The tragedy has sparked calls for stricter safety regulations and a faster phase-out of bamboo scaffolding in favor of safer alternatives.
Sources
1. Fire engulfs 3 blocks in Hong Kong's Tai Po, leaving at least 4 dead
2. At least 13 dead when fire rips through Hong Kong high-rise
3. Video Deadly fire breaks out at Hong Kong high-rise - ABC News
4. At least 4 dead when fire rips through Hong Kong high-rise
5. World News - The Indian Express
6. Hindustan Times - YouTube
