A major tragedy unfolded in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on Wednesday as a fierce fire swept through multiple residential towers within the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, leaving widespread devastation across one of the city’s most densely populated communities. The blaze, which erupted in the afternoon, quickly escalated into one of Hong Kong’s most catastrophic fire incidents in recent memory.

The housing estate—comprising eight towers with nearly 2,000 small, tightly arranged flats—is home to more than 4,600 residents, many of whom are elderly or live in modest family units. Witnesses said flames erupted with alarming speed, spreading from one block to another in a matter of minutes. The rapid spread was largely fueled by the bamboo scaffolding and renovation nets wrapped around the exterior of the buildings as part of ongoing maintenance work.

Bamboo scaffolding has long been a defining feature of Hong Kong’s skyline. The lattice-like structures, stretching hundreds of feet high, encase skyscrapers in layers of green and blue construction mesh. While the method is admired globally for its craftsmanship and efficiency, concerns about safety have grown in recent years. The government has already begun phasing in metal scaffolding for public projects, citing worker protection and international construction standards. Between 2018 and mid-2025, at least 24 fatalities were linked to accidents involving bamboo scaffolds.

On Wednesday, the concern became reality as burning scaffolding created a vertical channel for the fire to climb and leap between buildings. Residents reported hearing crackling sounds and watching flaming debris fall from the upper floors. Thick smoke blanketed the neighborhood, visible even from outside Tai Po Market station, where commuters were met with the smell of burning materials.

Emergency responders raced to the scene, deploying more than 700 firefighters in what became a citywide emergency. Dozens of fire trucks crowded the roads as more units continued to arrive. The blaze was soon raised to a Level 5 alarm—the highest classification in Hong Kong’s fire response system and a designation rarely used. The last Level 5 fire occurred 17 years ago.

Amid the rescue operations, one firefighter, identified as Ho Wai-ho, tragically lost his life after losing contact with his team. He was found collapsed inside the building and later pronounced dead at the hospital. Authorities described him as “dedicated” and “courageous,” honoring his nine years of service.

As of the latest update, at least 13 people have been confirmed dead, including the fallen firefighter. Another 28 residents have been treated for injuries ranging from smoke inhalation to severe burns. Local officials also reported that several individuals—among them elderly residents, young children, and even household pets—were still unaccounted for in the early hours of the crisis.

Nearby roads have been shut down, and bus routes diverted as emergency crews continue battling flames and conducting evacuation operations. Temporary shelters have been opened to house displaced residents, many of whom left their homes with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.

With investigations still underway, authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire. What remains clear is that the combination of dense living conditions, aging infrastructure, and combustible renovation materials created a disastrous scenario that will likely spark renewed debate about building safety in one of the world’s most compact cities.

FAQ

1. What started the fire at Wang Fuk Court?
The exact cause has not been confirmed. However, the blaze spread rapidly due to bamboo scaffolding and renovation netting around the buildings.

2. How many people live in the housing estate?
Wang Fuk Court houses over 4,600 residents across eight towers and nearly 2,000 apartments.

3. What made this fire so severe?
High-density living, ongoing renovations, and flammable scaffolding materials contributed to the speed and scale of the fire.

4. Has Hong Kong experienced a fire this large recently?
No. This is the deadliest incident in nearly 30 years and the first Level 5 fire since 2008.

5. Were emergency services able to rescue residents?
Firefighters evacuated many residents, but several casualties and injuries were recorded, including one firefighter who died during the operation.