Date: November 27, 2025
Location: Hong Kong
Topic: Wang Fuk Court Fire Incident
HONG KONG — A catastrophic fire swept through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po on Wednesday afternoon, November 26. As of this morning, authorities have confirmed at least 55 deaths, with over 200 residents still unaccounted for. The tragedy marks one of the deadliest high-rise infernos in the city's recent history, sparking urgent questions about fire safety regulations during building renovations.
"Chimney Effect" on the Exterior
According to preliminary reports from the Fire Services Department, the blaze began around 2:50 PM on the bamboo scaffolding surrounding the building’s exterior. At the time, the estate was undergoing major facade renovations.
Unlike typical residential fires that start indoors, this blaze encircled the building from the outside. Flames rapidly climbed the protective green safety netting and waterproof tarpaulins, spreading across seven of the estate’s eight towers in a matter of minutes.
Security Secretary Chris Tang stated in a press briefing that the speed of the fire’s spread was "unusual." Investigators have identified the use of Styrofoam—a highly combustible material used to seal windows against construction dust—as a primary accelerant. The combination of the netting and the Styrofoam created a "chimney effect," allowing the fire to bypass internal fire doors and leap from floor to floor, penetrating units through the windows.
Official Response: "Gross Negligence" Suspected
Following the disaster, Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered local authorities to "make every effort" to rescue survivors and manage the aftermath. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has arrived at the scene to oversee operations and has pledged a comprehensive inquiry.
Senior Superintendent Eileen Chung of the Hong Kong Police Force indicated that initial evidence points to severe negligence by the contractors. "Using non-compliant, flammable materials on the exterior of a densely populated high-rise is effectively wrapping the building in a fuse," she remarked.
Residents' Despair: Loss of Home and History
For the residents of Wang Fuk Court, the trauma extends beyond the immediate danger to the total loss of property. Because the fire attacked from the outside, many residents were unaware of the severity until smoke shattered their windows, leaving them little time to react.
Ms. Wu, a resident who managed to escape, told local reporters, "We had seconds to run. There was no time to grab anything. Watching my home burn—knowing all my documents, photos, and savings are gone—is a feeling of utter helplessness."
Safety Advisory: Protecting Against External Risks
This tragedy serves as a grim reminder that high-rise safety is not solely about internal precautions; external construction poses significant, often overlooked risks.
Fire safety experts are now advising urban residents, particularly those in high-rise buildings, to adopt the following preparedness measures:
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Construction Awareness: Residents living in buildings undergoing renovation (bamboo scaffolding) should keep windows facing the construction area closed and clear of flammable items like curtains or paper.
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Evacuation Readiness: As evacuation windows can be incredibly short, maintaining a "Go-Bag" near the exit is crucial for rapid departure.
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Document Protection: Given the intense heat of high-rise fires and the water damage from firefighting efforts, experts strongly recommend storing vital documents (IDs, deeds, insurance policies) in high-quality fireproof and waterproof document bags. This simple step ensures that even if you must flee empty-handed, essential records have a higher chance of surviving the disaster for recovery later.
Search and rescue operations at Wang Fuk Court are currently ongoing.