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Hong Kong fires and safety

Hong Kong fires and safety
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Hong Kong fires and safety. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Chief Executive John Lee and fellow officials apologise and bow. Photo: Sam Tsang
The officials bowed for a few seconds Photo: Elson Li
The report was released on Thursday Photo: Elson Li
Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po was devastated in a deadly fire that broke out last November. Photo: Edmond So
Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po was devasted in a deadly fire that broke out last November. Photo: Sam Tsang
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Tai Po fire: housing secretary resigns with immediate effect to take responsibility

Chief Executive John Lee will hold a press briefing alongside top officials to outline the administration’s follow-up actions and systemic reforms.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Exclusive | At least 1 senior official to take rap for deadly Tai Po fire as part of ‘bold’ reforms

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong to impose criminal penalties for bid-rigging after deadly Tai Po fire

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Accidents and personal safety

970 evacuated, 1 injured as fire breaks out at Hong Kong waste-to-energy plant

Firefighters battle blaze at Hong Kong’s HK$31.3 billion Shek Kwu Chau incinerator for about four hours.

A fire broke out on Monday at Hong Kong’s waste-to-energy incinerator. Photo: Threads/edward.chung_
The blaze started at 12.43pm at the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase I. Photo: Threads/edward.chung_
The fire was upgraded to a No 3 alarm at 1.24pm. Photo: Threads/gobin_under
Hong Kong society

URA tells owners to avoid hiring lift company at centre of fire safety probe

Urban Renewal Authority says it has ‘lost confidence’ in Taizoom Elevator, as checks reveal lifts at hundreds of buildings lack critical components.

Hong Kong housing

Missing lift fire door frames confined to Taizoom, Hong Kong authorities say

No missing fire-resistant door frames found in lifts maintained by other firms after probe into Taizoom Elevator uncovers citywide omissions.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Scathing Tai Po fire report expected to be submitted on Thursday

Redacted version of the judge-led committee’s report is scheduled for public release next week at the earliest, sources say.

Wang Fuk Court was the scene of Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades. Photo: Dickson Lee
The independent panel comprised Justice David Lok (centre) and members Chan Kin-por (second left) and Rex Auyeung Pak-kuen (left). Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong society

AI-powered drones to help detect hill fires during Chung Yeung Festival

With the Chung Yeung Festival approaching, authorities will also strengthen manpower to monitor high-risk locations for fires.

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong extends smart fire alarm scheme to another 6,000 old buildings

Fire service says no installations have been completed so far although the policy was rolled out over five months ago for 3,600 blocks.

Hong Kong society

Bar Association urges proxy cap, electronic voting to curb building bid-rigging

Association chairman Jose-Antonio Maurellet expresses reservations about a proposal limiting proxies to only two classes of people.

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The inferno at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po has prompted proposals to amend the Building Management Ordinance. Photo: Elson Li
Hong Kong politics

Civil servants may face disciplinary action over Tai Po fire if named in report

Civil service chief says she will not rule out launching disciplinary action if any public servants are named in coming investigation report.

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The Wang Fuk Court inferno claimed 168 lives. Photo: Sam Tsang
Hong Kong society

Boy, 13, saved after climbing onto air-conditioning unit to escape fire in flat

Hong Kong firefighters rescue boy who was home alone on Wednesday night, while his mother has been arrested on suspicion of child neglect.

Accidents and personal safety

Fire breaks out on rooftop of residential building in Hong Kong’s Mong Kok

No casualties reported as firefighters battle blaze with one water jet after items stored on the rooftop catch fire.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong prepares reforms, accountability measures ahead of Tai Po fire report

City leader John Lee pledges to pursue accountability and implement comprehensive reforms as soon as possible after receiving independent committee’s report.

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. An independent committee investigating the fire is expected to submit its report to the government by the end of the month. Photo: Jelly Tse
Accidents and personal safety

Family of 4 in hospital after fire at Sha Tin public housing estate

After trying and failing to put out fire on their TV stand, family escapes building with about 140 other residents.

Firefighters at Shui Chuen O Estate’s Yan Chuen House on Wednesday morning. Photo: Threads
Hong Kong society

Top official to determine responsible department in complex 1823 cases

When assigning complaints that involve more than one government department, responsibility will be fairly distributed, Warner Cheuk says.

John Lee policy address 2026

Hong Kong leader pledges building maintenance reforms after fatal Tai Po fire

Government will conduct a legal study on criminalising bid-rigging in major building maintenance works and submit a proposal to the Legislative Council this year.

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Hong Kong courts

Hong Kong court winds up Wang Fuk Court renovation consultant over debt

Will Power Architects, involved in HK$336 million renovation project at estate, is ordered wound up after failing to oppose creditor’s application.

Will Power Architects, which was involved in the renovation project at Wang Fuk Court, has been wound up. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

85% of Wang Fuk Court owners sign sale deals as flat selection moves ahead

Housing Bureau holds computerised ballot to set flat-selection order, posts results online as rehousing scheme moves into next phase.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Buildings Department files 259 charges over work at fire-ravaged Hong Kong estate

Charges against two firms, four individuals relate to alleged use of substandard materials and failure to properly supervise repairs.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Editorial | Deal reached on Wang Fuk Court flats clears the way for recovery

Resolving resettlement for most Tai Po fire victims now paves the way for the next essential step towards closure: full accountability.

Wang Chi House of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, as seen on August 31. The high take-up rate of the buyout offer is an endorsement of the government’s approach to help survivors rebuild their homes elsewhere. Photo: Sun Yeung
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong gives 45 Wang Fuk Court holdouts final call on buyout scheme

As of noon on Sunday, 1,939 of estate’s 1,984 flat owners have submitted acceptance letters, while 77.7 per cent have signed sale and purchase agreements.

A view of the blaze-hit Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Under the acquisition scheme, the government will buy flats at HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 per square foot, depending on whether the land premium has been paid. Photo: Jelly Tse
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Why some Wang Fuk Court owners have refused buy-back deal even as deadline nears

While acquisition price for flats at fire-ravaged estate is seen as generous, about 3.5 per cent of homeowners have not accepted offer.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Lawmakers flag gaps in proposed building management rules after Tai Po fire

Tightening proxy votes and strengthening oversight are moves in ‘correct’ direction, but legislators cite potential drawbacks and loopholes.

Accidents and personal safety

Man injured as fire engulfs 2 huts, 4 speedboats at village in Sai Kung

Hong Kong firefighters say they received multiple reports of a fire that broke out near a minibus terminus in Po Toi O village.

The blaze was classified as a No 1 alarm fire, the lowest in Hong Kong’s five-tier system. Photo: Facebook/Hang Hau Rural Committee
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

8% of Wang Fuk Court owners yet to accept buy-back as deadline looms

Asked whether government will turn to legal means to acquire remaining flats, chief executive says decision will be made at later stage.

Wang Fuk Court home owners leave after attending an extraordinary general meeting at Kai Tak Community Hall on July 19. Photo: Edmond So
Hong Kong society

16 taken to hospital after fire breaks out at Taikoo Shing flat

Blaze erupted at Begonia Mansion in Taikoo Shing’s Harbour View Gardens, with smoke pouring from flat.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po inquiry sheds more light on final moments of firefighter Ho Wai-ho

Government-appointed independent committee releases interim investigation report from separate task force, including images of Ho’s gear.

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