Massive blaze fueled by bamboo scaffolding engulfs seven towers in Tai Po district; hundreds trapped and hundreds more evacuated in the city’s deadliest fire in years.
A devastating fire ravaged the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on November 26, 2025, killing at least 36 people and leaving hundreds trapped amid the burning high-rise towers. The blaze, which broke out in the early afternoon, rapidly engulfed seven of the eight residential towers covered in bamboo scaffolding, causing massive destruction and triggering a large-scale emergency response.
Fire Outbreak and Spread
The fire started around 2:51 p.m. local time at the external bamboo scaffolding of one tower undergoing renovation. Bamboo scaffolding, still widely used in Hong Kong for construction, rapidly fueled the fire as the flames spread both outside and inside the buildings. Windy conditions worsened the fire’s spread, causing it to engulf seven of the eight 31-storey buildings in the complex, which houses nearly 4,800 residents in about 2,000 apartments. Thick black smoke poured from windows as intense flames consumed the structures. The fire was classified at the highest emergency level—No. 5 alarm—as darkness fell and firefighters battled the inferno late into the night.
Human Toll and Rescue Operations
At least 36 people lost their lives in this deadliest fire in Hong Kong in recent years. Nine victims were found dead at the scene, while others succumbed to injuries in hospitals. Among the dead was one firefighter, with several others injured or treated for heat exhaustion during rescue efforts. Authorities reported over 250 people missing, many likely trapped inside apartments. About 900 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters set up by district officials. Search and rescue operations have been extremely challenging due to debris, collapsing scaffolding, and extremely high temperatures inside the buildings. Firefighters used more than 120 firefighting vehicles and multiple ladder trucks to reach the heights of the towers and contain the blaze.
Building and Community Impact
Wang Fuk Court was built in the 1980s and was undergoing major renovations at the time of the fire. Many residents displaced by the fire are elderly, adding to the challenges of evacuation and sheltering. The Tai Po District Council has organized emergency shelters and support centers, including hotlines and help desks, to assist those affected. Residents interviewed expressed shock and frustration after losing homes and possessions, with some resigned to the loss of their property given the scale of destruction.
Official Response and Investigation
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee extended condolences and emphasized rescue efforts, stating that the fire was coming under control early Thursday morning. Chinese President Xi Jinping also expressed sympathy and called for an all-out effort to minimize casualties and losses. The Fire Services Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. Early indications point to the bamboo scaffolding as the origin, noting the government’s plans earlier in 2025 to phase out bamboo scaffolding from public construction projects due to safety issues. The disaster raises pressing concerns about fire safety regulations, emergency preparedness, and construction practices in Hong Kong’s densely packed urban environment.
