A devastating fire tore through multiple high-rise tower blocks in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday, killing at least 13 people and injuring 15, authorities said. The blaze, which began in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT), sent thick black smoke billowing across the skyline and prompted a large-scale emergency response.
Wang Fuk Court, built in 1983, comprises eight 31-storey blocks providing nearly 2,000 apartments for around 4,600 residents. Seven of the towers were affected by the fire. At the time, the buildings were undergoing renovations and were covered in bamboo scaffolding, which authorities say contributed to the rapid spread of flames. Residents reported that fire alarms did not sound in some blocks.
The Hong Kong Fire Department classified the incident as a level five alarm, the city’s highest fire severity, just three-and-a-half hours after it was first reported. This is the first level five fire in Hong Kong in 17 years. The intense heat and falling debris made rescue operations extremely difficult, officials said. Deputy Director of Fire Services Derek Armstrong Chan said, “Debris and scaffolding of the affected building are falling down, posing additional danger to our front-line personnel.”
Emergency services deployed 767 firefighters, 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances, and around 400 police officers to the scene. Residents were evacuated from Wang Fuk Court and nearby buildings, and multiple shelters were set up to accommodate displaced families. Elderly residents and people with mobility challenges were transported to community halls that remained open overnight.
Among the 13 dead is firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, who had served nine years at Sha Tin Fire Station. He was reported missing at 15:30 and found collapsed shortly after. Emergency personnel transported him to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Fire Services Director Andy Yeung described his death as “profoundly grieved” and a loss to the service. At least one other firefighter is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but authorities noted that the bamboo scaffolding likely accelerated its spread. Hong Kong is one of the few cities in the world still using bamboo for modern construction, valued for its strength and flexibility. However, the city’s development bureau has been phasing it out due to safety concerns, including high combustibility and structural weaknesses.
Police have established a hotline (+852 1878 999) to assist families in locating missing relatives. An emergency monitoring and support centre is coordinating relief efforts, while residents continue to collect belongings and seek temporary accommodation.
The blaze has reignited concerns over safety in high-density residential areas, especially those under renovation, and highlights the ongoing risks posed by traditional construction methods in Hong Kong.
