Wang Fuk Court fire
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On November 26th, 2025, a devastating fire erupted at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po District, Hong Kong. The inferno claimed the lives of over 128 people and left 79 injured, including 12 brave firefighters. Many were trapped, unable to escape their homes. As of November 29th, 2025, around 150 individuals remain missing.
The complex, undergoing major exterior wall repairs, was encased in bamboo scaffolding and safety netting. Tragically, this netting, ignited by an unknown source, became a conduit for the blaze. Flammable polystyrene foam boards sealing windows acted as an accelerant, allowing the fire to rapidly consume Wang Cheong House and spread to neighboring towers. Seven of the eight residential blocks were ultimately engulfed. This five-alarm fire, the deadliest since 1948, stands as a stark reminder of fire's destructive power.
Wang Fuk Court, a public housing estate built in 1983, housed nearly 2,000 units and a significant population of senior citizens. A 2016 inspection mandated extensive repairs, with a HK$330 million plan chosen for a complete exterior wall rebuild. The chosen contractor, Prestige Construction and Engineering, faced sourcing issues, opting for ceramic tiles over original tessera tiles. By the time of the fire, all eight buildings were swathed in scaffolding and netting, with windows sealed by flammable polystyrene for over a year.
This incident occurred amidst a series of fires linked to bamboo scaffolding and netting across Hong Kong. While industry standards exist for flame-retardant materials, their enforcement proved lacking. Concerns over debris, cost-saving measures with ordinary netting, and the inherent combustibility of bamboo itself were raised. In fact, authorities had announced a phase-out of bamboo scaffolding in March 2025, citing its deterioration and past fatalities.
Compounding the tragedy were environmental factors: a dry northeast monsoon season with strong winds, and a Red Fire Danger Warning in effect. Residents had previously reported concerns about smoking and littering on site. Furthermore, allegations surfaced of fire alarm systems being deliberately disabled for convenience. The tightly enclosed scaffolding created a chimney effect, accelerating the fire's terrifying spread.
The fire began around 2 PM on November 26th, with residents reporting smoke and small flames. Eyewitnesses saw the scaffolding alight by 2:45 PM. The fire department received its first report at 2:51 PM, but the blaze had already intensified. Many residents reported not hearing any alarms, a grim discovery that none had activated across the eight towers. Communication came through group chats and neighbors knocking on doors.
The emergency response escalated rapidly. From a one-alarm fire, it was raised to a five-alarm by 6:22 PM. Over 128 fire trucks, 57 ambulances, and 767 firefighters were deployed. Trapped residents were instructed to shelter in place as firefighters battled intense heat and falling debris. Despite deploying seven ladders and activating the fire protection system in an unaffected building, the flames raged through the night, punctuated by explosions from within apartment units. A small wildfire also broke out nearby.
By the morning of November 27th, the fire was being brought under control, though embers remained. Rescue operations were hampered by high temperatures within the buildings. By the afternoon, three of the seven buildings were still ablaze. Despite deploying over 1,250 firefighters, reignitions occurred, with flames flaring up again in Wang Cheong House.
The firefighting operation was largely completed by November 28th, after 43 arduous hours. Peak temperatures at the site reached an astonishing 500 degrees Celsius.
The human toll was immense. 128 confirmed fatalities, 83 injured, including 11 in critical condition. Among the dead was firefighter Ho Wai-ho, a 9-year veteran. Over 1,000 residents were evacuated, with efforts underway to rehouse them and provide support. Tragically, the number of missing persons fluctuated, with reports of duplicated missing persons reports and unidentified bodies complicating the grim task of accounting for everyone. Over 243 animals were also trapped, with many saved or recovered.
The Hong Kong government mobilized a comprehensive emergency response, establishing shelters, help desks, and a registration system for missing persons. Schools suspended classes to ease traffic congestion. The Housing Authority coordinated temporary housing resources, and a support fund was established with significant public donations. Social welfare organizations opened service points, offering refuge and mental health support.
The public response was immediate and overwhelming. Online communities mobilized, small businesses offered free food and rest areas, and volunteers worked tirelessly to distribute donations. Many artists and organizations contributed to relief efforts. Hotels offered free accommodation, and even telecommunications companies and charging services provided support.
Donations poured in from corporations and international artists, with significant pledges from Xiaomi, Henderson Land, and various South Korean entertainment agencies. Alibaba Group and Ant Group also contributed substantial sums.
Investigations and arrests followed swiftly. Three men were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, identified as directors and a consultant from Prestige Construction and Engineering Company. The Independent Commission Against Corruption also launched an investigation into possible corruption during the renovation works, leading to further arrests.
Initial investigations revealed multiple fire safety violations: highly flammable polystyrene boards, questionable safety netting, and faulty fire alarm systems. The contractor was deemed "grossly negligent," and the rapid spread of the fire was described as "unusual." A special investigation team was formed to determine the fire's cause.
The disaster prompted widespread reactions. Music events, sporting competitions, and even the premiere of a Disney film were cancelled or postponed. A public petition demanding an independent investigation and accountability gained significant traction before its initiator was reportedly arrested on suspicion of sedition.
The Hong Kong government expressed deep sorrow and pledged full support. Flags were flown at half-mast, and a moment of silence was observed. The use of helicopters and drones for firefighting was explained, citing operational limitations.
China's leadership offered condolences and urged an all-out effort in relief work. Guangdong and Shenzhen fire services lent crucial equipment. Macao also pledged support.
International leaders and organizations expressed their condolences, with statements of sympathy and solidarity coming from the UK, Australia, Canada, the US, Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Pakistan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Russia, Taiwan, and the Vatican. Grenfell United, survivors of London's Grenfell Tower fire, shared their heartfelt solidarity.
In the aftermath, the Building and Labour Departments launched inspections of all housing estates undergoing major repairs. Scaffolding was removed from many buildings, raising questions about prior supervision. Testing of materials was conducted by residents themselves, and polystyrene foam boards were ordered removed from numerous buildings. China also initiated a nationwide fire safety inspection for high-rise buildings. Prestige Construction and Engineering Company faced a temporary suspension of work at multiple sites.
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On 26 November 2025, a large fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong. More than 128 people were killed, and 79 were injured, including 12 firefighters. Many of those who died were trapped in their apartments. Around 150 people remain missing as of 29 November 2025.
The apartment complex was undergoing major repairs to the exterior walls of all eight residential towers. Bamboo scaffolding was erected around the buildings to their full height. Construction safety netting (tarps), which was required to wrap the scaffolding, ignited by an unknown source at Wang Cheong House (Block F). Flammable expanded polystyrene foam boards covering the windows acted as an accelerant for the fire, which quickly engulfed the building and spread to the adjacent blocks. Seven of the eight buildings of the complex were ultimately affected by the fire.
The incident was classified as a five-alarm fire, the first since the 2008 Cornwall Court fire. It is the fourth deadliest in Hong Kong's history and the deadliest since the Wing On warehouse fire in Shek Tong Tsui that killed 176 people in 1948.
== Background ==
=== Wang Fuk Court ===
Wang Fuk Court is a subsidised government Home Ownership Scheme housing complex located in Tai Po, built in 1983. The estate has eight residential blocks, each 31 storeys tall with nearly 2,000 units in total. They are among the tallest buildings in Tai Po. According to the 2021 population census, there were 4,643 residents in the complex. About 40% of the residents were senior citizens aged 65 and above.
A 2016 inspection mandated large-scale repairs for the estate. In January 2024, the owners' corporation presented three repair plans, with costs ranging from HK$150 million (US$19.31 million) to HK$330 million (US$42.47 million). The first two plans, each estimated at HK$150 million, were either to repair only the damaged parts of the exterior with tessera tiles, or to repair the damaged parts and apply waterproof paint. The third plan, which was chosen, was estimated at HK$330 million and entailed completely rebuilding the exterior walls and paving them with tessera. The registered contractor was Prestige Construction and Engineering Company. In June 2024, Prestige could not source the original tessera tiles and switched to ceramic tiles.
At the time of the fire, the exterior wall repairs were ongoing, with all eight buildings of the complex enveloped in bamboo scaffolding and green safety netting. Furthermore, all of the windows had been sealed with flammable polystyrene for more than a year.
=== Bamboo scaffolding and construction safety netting ===
In 2025, several fires occurred in Hong Kong that were related to structures with bamboo scaffolding encased in construction safety nets, including one at Texaco Road, Tsuen Wan in February, and in October at Chinachem Tower in Central, at the Casa Delight construction site, and at a University of Hong Kong dormitory.
Bamboo scaffolding is typically used in Hong Kong building construction and maintenance. According to a January 2025 estimate by industry representatives, nearly 80% of the scaffolding in Hong Kong was bamboo-based. The chairperson of the Hong Kong Institution of Safety Practitioners, Lee Kwong-sing, stated that bamboo scaffolding and fire-retardant netting that meets government requirements are not easily ignited, and that the main cause of such fires is usually the presence of a large amount of debris, which can readily combust when exposed to sparks generated during construction.
While the Labour Department has issued safety guidelines that stipulate that the netting used with bamboo scaffolding must meet certain flame-retardant requirements, the guidelines have no legal effects or ramifications if ignored. Consequently some sites may have opted to use ordinary netting without flame retardancy as a cost-saving measure.
On 17 March 2025, government authorities announced that they would begin to phase out the use of bamboo and replace it with metal scaffolding, stating that bamboo deteriorates over time, has contributed to 23 deaths in scaffolding-related accidents since 2018, and is combustible. After the Chinachem Tower fire, the Buildings Department issued a statement urging enhanced flame-retardant standards for construction safety nets used for exterior walls at construction sites.
=== Other potential contributory factors ===
On the day when the fire occurred, Hong Kong was affected by the northeast monsoon season, and the weather was dry and the winds were strong. The relative humidity recorded in the district area for that afternoon was 40% to 50%. A Red Fire Danger Warning was issued by the Hong Kong Observatory on 24 November due to dry conditions; it remained in force on the day of the fire.
According to news reports, residents had alleged as early as September 2024 that the construction workers had been smoking, littering cigarette butts throughout the construction site. The Labour Department had made several inspections, but found that the safety nets were certified to meet flame retardant standards.
A former security staff also claimed that as early as May 2025, he found that the fire alarm system was turned off intentionally so that workers could enter and exit buildings more conveniently.
The construction safety netting enclosed the buildings in a manner that created a chimney effect, promoting strong upward convection and contributing to rapid fire growth.
== Fire ==
As early as 14:00 HKT (UTC+08:00) on 26 November 2025, signs of a fire at Wang Fuk House appeared with a resident at Wang Shing House (Block G) smelling smoke through her window. Having spotted a small flame burning in a neighbouring apartment unit, she tried to contact property management office to no avail. She went down to the ground, only to be told by the security guard at her lift lobby that there was a fire going on. She went back to her apartment unit and sheltered in place and was later rescued. By 14:45, there were more eyewitness reports of the bamboo scaffolding along the exterior walls of Wang Cheong House having caught fire. The fire department received their first report at 14:51, that the construction safety net that wrapped the scaffolding caught fire, fuelling the spread of the fire. The police received reports from passersby at around 15:00, and subsequently more calls from residents who reported that they were unable to escape. Some residents interviewed stated that they did not hear any fire alarm ringing. It was later determined that none of the fire alarms had activated in any of the eight towers. Other residents were notified of the fire through communication groups, and neighbours knocking on doors.
=== Timeline ===
==== 26 November ====
The fire began at a corner of the bamboo scaffolding at Wang Cheong House (tower F). The fire was first reported around 14:51 HKT (UTC+08:00) on 26 November 2025; firefighters arrived in ten minutes, but it had already escalated rapidly. The emergency alert was raised from a 1 alarm to 4 by 15:34, and to the highest level, 5, by 18:22. The fire began on the scaffolding before spreading inside and then to all but one of the other buildings.
At 20:15, the fire department reported that the conditions on scene continued to worsen, with debris falling from above and calls for help increasing, therefore necessitating the level 5 alarm to bring in more firefighters. There were 128 fire trucks, 57 ambulances and 767 firefighters deployed to the scene. Many residents remained trapped in their apartment units, however, due to the intense heat, the firefighters could not enter the buildings. Authorities instructed these trapped residents to shelter in place, and to seal gaps around the windows and doors as the firefighters continue to try accessing the buildings to rescue them.
Firefighters deployed seven ladders to douse the exterior of each burning building with water. At the same time, firefighters accessed the unaffected eighth building to activate the fire protection system at the rooftop to prevent a further spread to it and to fight the fire on the neighbouring building. Over the night, explosions could be heard coming from various apartment units in the burning buildings.
A small wildfire also broke out at 22:13 across the Tai Po River from the apartment complex, close to Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School. It was mostly extinguished by 23:00.
==== 27 November ====
At 01:50 on 27 November, the fire was being brought under control, with open flames on three buildings being extinguished and embers remaining in some areas. At 05:45, firefighting operations were carried out between the fifth and eighteenth floors, while rescue operations were being extended upwards to between thirteenth and twenty-third floors. The temperature within the high-rise buildings remained high making rescue operations difficult. The fire in the fourth building was brought under control at 06:23, and search and rescue efforts began at the lower floors.
By 09:00, three of the seven buildings were still on fire. By 15:10, the fire department had deployed 304 fire and rescue vehicles and dispatched 1,250 firefighters. They received 341 calls for help, and successfully responded to 279 calls. Among the four buildings that were now under control, there were no more calls for help. Operations by then involved reignition prevention measures, which included reducing the temperatures outside the buildings that were still on fire, and deployment of four drones to patrol the area.
At 23:15, the fire within Wang Cheong House (Block F) reignited, while two other buildings, Wang Tao House (Block B) and Wang Yan House (Block A) continued to have embers burning.
==== 28 November ====
At 01:20 on 28 November, the fire department reported that other than four apartment units that still had fire burning, the firefighting operation for the complex was largely completed. All apartment units within the seven buildings were accessed forcibly to ensure that no one else were trapped in the complex. A fire reignited from within an apartment unit at 05:45 and was put out at 07:30.
At 10:18, the fire department announced that the fire was mostly put out, after 43 hours of fire fighting operations. Up to 2,311 firefighters were involved throughout the effort, with peak temperatures at the site estimated at 500 °C (932 °F).
=== Map of Wang Fuk Court and its surroundings ===
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== Victims ==
At least 128 people were confirmed to have been killed while 83 others were injured, including 11 in critical condition. Of the fatalities, 124 were declared dead on scene while four others died in hospital. At least 108 bodies were recovered from the site by 15:00 on 28 November, while at least 16 bodies remain within the apartment complexes. One of the fatalities was a firefighter who died while responding. He was identified as 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, a 9-year veteran of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD) based in Sha Tin Fire Station. Reports indicate he arrived at the scene shortly after the fire was reported and lost contact with his colleagues around 30 minutes later; his body was discovered with burn injuries to his face. Twelve firefighters were also injured.
Over 1,000 residents were evacuated to the nearby Kwong Fuk Shopping Centre. Affected residents were subsequently and progressively moved to temporary housing found in youth hostels, hotels, and transitional flats. Each affected household was also assigned a dedicated social worker to assist during the recovery period. Affected residents were also being transported to various government offices to process their identity documents, certificates, and travel documents.
As of 20:20 on 27 November, 56 people were rescued from the fire. Nineteen overseas Filipino workers were rescued from the fire, including one who was hospitalised, while one was reported missing. Also among the casualties were Indonesian overseas workers: two were killed, two were injured and 11 were reported missing.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu reported on 26 November that at least 279 people were missing. As at 15:00, 28 November, the police received 467 missing persons reports, some of which were duplicated. 39 of the missing persons died, 35 were injured and taken to the hospital, 110 were confirmed safe, and the condition of about 200 people remained unknown, including 89 whose bodies could not be identified.
Over 243 animals were trapped in the buildings during the fire; as of 28 November, 92 had been saved or recovered (alive or dead, respectively).
Rescue operations ended on 28 November. The Disaster Victims Identification Unit deployed 600 members to the scene to search for, recover, and identify any bodies within the burned buildings. Identification of the bodies was in progress as of 29 November, among the missing and unidentified bodies found, the 37 dead were reported missing, and 44 dead remained unidentified. There were still 150 missing persons as at 15:00.
== Emergency response ==
=== Hong Kong government departments ===
Tai Po District Office arranged for the affected residents to be evacuated into temporary shelters nearby, including Kwong Fuk Community Hall, Tung Cheong Street Community Hall, Tai Po Community Centre, Fu Shan Community Hall, Shan Lou (Shan Dao Hui), and Chinese Christian Church's Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School. The district office also set up a help desk at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital to assist affected residents there with their questions and inquiries.
The Hong Kong Police Force set up a registration table at Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School for residents to register information about relatives with whom they had lost contact, and also established an injured inquiry hotline for citizens to search for relatives suspected to be injured or missing. It also established a "restricted flight zone" over the area affected by the fire to prohibit drones from interfering with the rescue efforts. The restriction was set to last from 08:00 on 27 November until 08:00 on 30 November.
The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee Ka-chiu, activated the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre, and chaired an emergency interdepartmental meeting. The Education Bureau announced that 13 schools would suspend classes for a day on 27 November to ease potential traffic congestion in the area for the firefighting operation, five of which continued to suspend classes on 28 November. Other schools issued notices allowing flexibility of their students' attendance if they were affected by the fire. The Education University of Hong Kong switched to virtual classes to ease traffic congestion in the area.
The Hong Kong Housing Authority announced that it coordinated the housing resources for residents affected by the fire, including over 2,000 temporary housing units and temporary shelters and beds; over 1,400 transitional housing units were also made available. Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho said that as of the morning of 30 November, about 1,500 residents had been relocated to hotels, hostels, and transitional housing, and 40 residents stayed in temporary shelters in Tai Po.
At 19:00, 28 November 2025, the Hong Kong government established the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po with a startup capital of HK$300 million (US$38.61 million) to render assistance to the victims. The public were able to contribute directly to this fund as well, and by 29 November, public donations to the fund had reached HK$800 million (US$102.96 million), according to Alice Mak, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs. Each affected household was given an emergency subsidy of HK$10,000 (US$1,287) for the night. On the same day, authorities convened three working groups with each focusing on investigations and regulations, emergency support and fundraising, and emergency accommodations arrangements. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau found about 1,000 housing units that can be used as temporary accommodations for the victims for a week or two. The subsequent housing units will be mainly provided by the government, alongside transitional housing arrangements, and the Housing Society's dedicated resettlement housing arrangement, with a total of 1,800 units available initially.
=== Social welfare organisations ===
Social welfare organisations in the Tai Po district opened their service points for immediate refuge. Immaculate Heart of Mary Church announced on their Facebook page that they would open their church for prayers and rest. The Hong Kong Federation of Women's Centres, Hong Kong Children & Youth Services, The Hong Kong Chinese Church of Christ and the Alliance World Fellowship also opened their churches and service centres. The Salvation Army and Rhenish Missionary Society opened their service centres providing mental support services.
The Hong Kong Red Cross staffed three temporary shelters. At 20:30, the Hong Kong Red Cross opened a mental support hotline which would run until 28 November. The Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong said it would open 900 free temporary accommodations for citizens in need at the Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village.
The non-profit Hong Kong Jockey Club opened several front-line shelters staffed with social workers.
The Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Yuen Chen Maun Chen Primary School was opened for affected residents to rest and for refreshments.
Various fundraisers were launched by a number of non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity, Hong Kong Sheung Kung Hui Welfare Council, and Feeding Hong Kong. Such organisations also appealed for direct resource donations such as food and necessities.
=== Initial public response ===
During the fire, several online communities in Tai Po District mobilised spontaneously, with residents sharing information and material needs through online posts and actively providing assistance to affected residents. Many small shops, restaurants, and churches in the district opened their premises, providing free food and temporary rest areas, and assisting in the collection and distribution of donated materials.
During the period when affected residents were placed in temporary shelters, many citizens volunteered to help sort and distribute food and daily necessities, and drove overnight to deliver supplies to various locations. Online, "safety lists" and missing person websites were created by citizens to help relatives and friends of the victims confirm their safety.
In the entertainment industry, many Hong Kong artists personally delivered and distributed supplies. In addition, several animal welfare organisations also provided temporary care services and support for affected pets.
On 26 November 2025, the Tai Po Mega Mall opened its shopping area overnight, providing drinking water, dry food, and free charging services. That evening, 24/7 Fitness opened its Tai Po branch for affected residents to shower and rest. Major telecommunications companies, including 3HK and CSL Mobile, provided free mobile data, external chargers, and extended store hours. ChargeSpot, a rental portable charger company, offered 160 hours of free charger rentals in the Tai Po area.
McDonald's announced that it would provide free food to affected residents at three of the chain's 24-hour locations in the immediate aftermath of the blaze, and sent 1,000 breakfast meals to multiple evacuation centres on the morning of 27 November.
The Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, Royal Pacific Hotel, and Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel provided a total of 160 rooms for affected residents to stay free of charge. Regal Hotels International opened the Regal Riverside Hotel for victims, and instructed other properties it owned to allow the victims to stay if they had rooms to spare.
In addition, the MTR Corporation opened the Tai Po Market Station concourse for citizens to collect supplies and provide support to disaster victims.
=== Donations ===
Xiaomi pledged a HK$10 million (US$1.29 million) donation through its foundation to provide medical assistance, emergency resettlement, and transitional living assistance for affected residents. Henderson Land donated HK$30 million (US$3.86 million) towards transitional living arrangements and emergency relief, while Chow Tai Fook Group announced that it was donating HK$20 million (US$2.57 million) and would be offering temporary accommodation.
In South Korea, SM Entertainment pledged HK$1 million (US$128,700.13) to the Hong Kong Red Cross to aid firefighting, rescue and relief efforts, while music groups Aespa and Riize pledged HK$500,000 and HK$250,000 respectively. YG Entertainment also pledged HK$1 million (US$128,700.13) to the fire victims. Stray Kids pledged HK$1 million (US$128,700.13) through World Vision Hong Kong for temporary housing and other support for displaced residents and children. Likewise, JYP Entertainment and the MAMA Awards also pledged donations. The latter also made changes to the lavish awards ceremony long scheduled for the weekend of the 2025 edition that will be held at the Kai Tak Stadium; the red carpet event ahead of the awards night was cancelled as a sign of respect for the victims. A moment of silence for the victims was held at the start of the ceremony on 28 November.
Alibaba Group and Ant Group donated HK$20 million (US$2.57 million) and HK$10 million (US$1.29 million), respectively. The Jack Ma Foundation also donated HK$30 million (US$3.86 million).
In mainland China, singer Zhou Shen donated RMB¥1 million (HK$1,099,600 or US$141,300) to aid emergency rescue, relief, and home reconstruction. He also expressed his respects for the firefighters, medical personnel, and other philanthropists.
== Investigation and arrests ==
In the early hours of 27 November, the Hong Kong Police Force arrested three men aged between 52 and 68 years old on the suspicion of manslaughter. The three arrested individuals included two company directors and one consultant from a construction firm, with operations spanning Tai Po, Ngau Tau Kok, and San Po Kong. The company, later confirmed to be Prestige Construction and Engineering Company, was searched by the police with several boxes of documentation taken as evidence.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) also launched an investigation over possible corruption during the renovation works due to the "significant public interest" involved. On 28 November 2025, the ICAC arrested 8 people on the suspicion of corruption, conducting searches in the houses of suspects and the offices of the related company.
=== Fire safety violations ===
Initial investigations revealed multiple potential fire safety violations at the estates:
Expanded polystyrene boards were installed covering windows on each floor near lift lobbies. These were confirmed to be highly flammable. The fire ignited at the Wang Cheong House were quickly spread to these boards causing windows to shatter and allow the fire to spread indoor and set items on fire.
The construction safety netting and waterproof tarpaulins on the building's exterior were alleged to have not met the fire-resistance standards. However, preliminary investigation and test results indicated that the scaffolding and the netting used on the building meet fire-retardant requirements. However, under high temperature, the netting could still be set ablaze.
Investigations of the fire alarms in the eight buildings revealed that they were faulty. The systems were operational but no alarms sounded.
Chung stated that the police had reason to believe the contractor responsible had been "grossly negligent", which resulted in the incident and allowed the fire to spread uncontrollably, leading to significant casualties. The Secretary for Security, Chris Tang commented that the rate at which the fire spread was "unusual" and that the blaze should not have spread through the buildings so rapidly if proper netting materials had been in place.
The Hong Kong Police Force and Hong Kong Fire Services Department established a special investigation team to determine the fire's cause. It was estimated that it would take three to four weeks to collect evidence.
== Reactions ==
Multiple music events scheduled in Hong Kong for the weekend of 28 to 30 November were cancelled or postponed due to the fire, including concerts by Constance Chan, Shino Lin, and Ken Hung. Miriam Yeung's concert series, which was scheduled to begin on 29 November was scaled down, with all pyrotechnic effects being cancelled. Yeung also pledged her first-night proceeds and all merchandise profits towards the disaster response. Multiple sporting events were cancelled such as the Oxfam Trailwalker, the Hong Kong Cyclothon and several matches by the Hong Kong China Rugby Union. Disney's gala premiere for Zootopia 2 at Hong Kong Disneyland scheduled on 27 November was cancelled, along with the theme park's nightly fireworks show. The torch relay and opening ceremony for the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities of China, which scheduled to host on 29 November and 8 December respectively, have been canceled. The simplified closing event will be held after all concluded competitions on 15 December.
=== Public petition ===
A petition was launched on Change.org urging the government to respond to "four big demands." These included establishing an independent investigation committee, ensuring the proper relocation of affected residents, investigating regulatory negligence, and reviewing construction supervision procedures. The petition quickly gained traction online, garnering over 6,200 signatures by 29 November and 10,247 by the time it was closed. It was later reported that the initiator of the petition, local university student Miles Kwan, had been arrested by national security police on suspicion of sedition under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and that the petition had been closed. The police force did not confirm the arrest. Other similar petitions were also launched on the same platform once the original one was closed, again gathering thousands of signatures.
=== Hong Kong government ===
Chief Executive of Hong Kong, John Lee Ka-chiu, in an initial press conference in the early hours of 27 November, described the fire as a "major disaster" and express his sadness, deepest condolences and sympathies to the deceased and their families. He also thanked Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office (HMO), and the Hong Kong Liaison Office for their support. Various secretaries of the Executive Council of Hong Kong (ExCo) visited the affected residents and injured at the temporary shelters and hospitals. In response to the news of neighbouring Shenzhen's fire services gathering at Liantang Port, the land border checkpoint on Shenzhen's side of the Shenzhen–Hong Kong border, Lee expressed his thanks but also stated that Hong Kong's fire department had assessed that there were sufficient manpower to handle the fire.
Chief Executive of Hong Kong John Lee Ka-chiu and Chris Tang, Secretary for Security of Hong Kong paid tribute to the firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, who died in the line of duty. Tang expressed "deep grief" and offered "deepest condolences" to his family. On 27 November, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) mourned the victims of the fire and offered condolences to the families of the victims, the injured and the victims.
In response to the fire, the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau announced that the four forums for the 2025 Hong Kong legislative election scheduled for 27 and 28 November would be suspended. Forums were further suspended until 30 November, affecting eight such events in total.
The public had questioned the lack of use of certain equipment during the firefighting operations, in particularly helicopter and drones for aerial firefighting as well as the short height of ladders used. Authorities in a press conference on 28 November explained that helicopters were not utilised for firefighting as the water would only reach the exterior walls, potentially hampering operations targeting the fires within the building. The turbulent air flow generated would fan the fires further rather than contain them as well. It was observed that the ladders used were shorter than the height of the buildings. However, there was not enough firm ground around the base of the vehicle to extend the supporting legs for taller ladders. Drones were not used during the firefighting operations due to the smaller diameter of hoses that they use as compared to the fire trucks and hoses.
To mourn the victims of the fire, the national and the Hong Kong regional flags flown at government buildings were ordered set at half-mast from 29 November to 1 December, while a three-minute silence is scheduled on 29 November at the Central Government Complex. During this period, the ExCo members cancelled non-essential public events, while entertainment and celebrations organised and funded by Hong Kong government were either cancelled or postponed. The daily A Symphony of Lights show was suspended indefinitely beginning on 27 November. Condolence points for the public to sign condolence books will also be set up in all 18 districts of Hong Kong during this period of time.
=== China ===
The General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, Xi Jinping, expressed condolences to the victims of a deadly blaze and urged an "all-out effort" to extinguish the fire, and to minimise casualties and losses. Xi requested the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office (HMO) and the Hong Kong Liaison Office to support Hong Kong government in its efforts as well.
Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, stated that the Hong Kong Garrison would obey orders and perform its duties in accordance with the law when asked if the army unit would provide assistance.
On 27 November, HMO announced that a working group was dispatched to Hong Kong to assist in the disaster relief work following the fire. The Guangdong and Shenzhen fire services lent drones and other equipment to help Hong Kong's fire department in their on-site investigations and emergency deployments.
Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, on behalf of Macao government, expressed condolences to the victims and their families and sympathies to John Lee, the injured and their families. He also donated HK$10 million (US$1.29 million) to support recovery efforts and stated that full assistance from Macao will be provided if needed.
=== International reactions ===
As of 29 November 2025, at least 16 heads or leaders of state, and 52 countries' embassies and consulates have issued statements expressing condolences. Charles III, King of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms, said he and Queen Camilla were "greatly saddened to learn of the devastating fire", and that they "feel deeply" for the people of Hong Kong. They also paid tribute to the extraordinary bravery shown by emergency workers and the compassion of neighbours helping one another. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the fire was "a human tragedy", and added that "the hearts of all Australians today will be thinking of the people of Hong Kong who are going through a very tough day". British foreign secretary Yvette Cooper issued a statement, stating that the fire was "truly devastating and deeply distressing" and that the UK "sends heartfelt condolences" to the victims. Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand issued a statement that "Canada is deeply saddened" by the fire and sent wishes to injured victims and volunteer workers. Similar statements have been made by the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State Thomas Pigott, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Irish foreign minister Helen McEntee, South Korean foreign minister Cho Hyun, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari, the Turkish government, Kazakh president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and Russian President Vladimir Putin sent messages of condolence to Xi Jinping.
From Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim expressed their condolences. The Mainland Affairs Council also expressed condolences and sympathies for the fire accident.
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow over the incident, and sent a telegram to the Bishop of Hong Kong, Stephen Chow offering condolences to the victims and prayers for the deceased and rescue workers.
Grenfell United, a community composed of the survivors of London's Grenfell Tower fire, also issued a statement, noting that their "hearts go out to all those affected by the horrific fire", and that they "stand with" the victims of the fire.
Several association football clubs in Europe have publicly expressed their condolences for the fire on various social media platforms, including Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea on Facebook, as well as Bundesliga club Bayern Munich on Instagram.
== Aftermath ==
On 27 November 2025, the Hong Kong government announced that the Building Department and the Labour Department will inspect all housing estates undergoing "major repairs" and examine the scaffolding and building materials. Scaffolding was immediately removed from many privately owned buildings in several districts following the fire disaster. The mass removal raised questions by the public on the adequacy of the authorities' supervision, given that problematic construction material was not an isolated issue.
Residents of the Sui Wo Court in Fo Tan conducted tests on their own initiative on their protective netting, etc. Subsequently, the Sui Wo Court Owners' Incorporation and the maintenance contractor sent personnel to inspect the materials and held an emergency residents' meeting.
The management of Elegance Gardens in Tuen Mun warned its residents against conducting their own tests and pointed out that its contractor, incidentally also Prestige Construction and Engineering Company, had submitted a flame retardant test report for the netting. That said, the management conducted its own tests finding the flame retardant properties in the materials had waned. Its engineering consultant would further inspect the work site whilst requiring Prestige to suspend work and resubmit safety certification documentation.
By 28 November 2025, authorities had inspected 127 buildings and collected samples of the nettings used for testing. They also found polystyrene foam boards on windows on several buildings and ordered their removal.
On 29 November 2025, China also launched a nationwide fire safety inspection on high-rise buildings, with additional attention being paid to buildings undergoing external wall renovations and interior modifications.
On 30 November 2025, the Buildings Department had also order a temporary suspension of work at 28 work sites that Prestige was the registered contractor due to a lack of confidence in its ability to ensure safety. They also had ordered a temporary suspension of work at two other sites out of prudence as they had found plastic sheets covering the windows.
== See also ==
List of building or structure fires
List of fires in high-rise buildings
== Notes ==
== References ==
== External links ==
Media related to Wang Fuk Court fire at Wikimedia Commons
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