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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Latest news and updates on the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district that killed 168 people, including a firefighter. Scores of people were also hurt.

Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po

Bank of China account: 012 8752 190 1597

Hong Kong Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org.hk/en/index.html

Operation Santa Claus Emergency Appeal

https://oschk.org/

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council

https://www.skhwc.org.hk/en/

Hong Kong Family Welfare Society

https://www.hkfws.org.hk/en/home

Po Leung Kuk

https://www.poleungkuk.org.hk/en

Feeding Hong Kong

https://feedinghk.org/

People gather near Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on January 13. The deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in November 2025 claimed 161 lives. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong housing

Editorial | Resettling Hong Kong fire victims calls for compassion and fiscal prudence

The authorities must take victims’ preferences into account while residents should be realistic about what the government can do and afford.

16 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

Hong Kong

Pledges fall short of fixing building sector after Hong Kong inferno: experts

16 Jan 2026 - 4:13AM

Hong Kong

Stalled work to resume as Hong Kong distributes 3,000 fire-tested scaffold nets

15 Jan 2026 - 8:02PM

Hong Kong

Death toll from Hong Kong fire rises to 168 after more remains identified

Security chief Chris Tang updates death toll from Tai Po inferno, saying remains of all victims have now been identified.

15 Jan 2026 - 10:54PM

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong society

Explainer | Bid-rigging clamp, smoke-free construction sites: Hong Kong Legco gets cracking

The Post looks into measures proposed in response to last year’s Wang Fuk Court fire.

15 Jan 2026 - 6:18PM

Hong Kong

Tougher building checks may add costs, slow projects, Hong Kong lawmaker says

Andrew Lam calls for government and legislature to discuss proposal to tighten scrutiny of building maintenance projects in greater depth.

15 Jan 2026 - 6:43PM

Hong Kong

Legal Tales | Time to end bid-rigging in Hong Kong with criminalisation, tougher enforcement

In the wake of the Tai Po fire, an all-too-common practice in building management and maintenance comes under the spotlight – and must be redressed.

15 Jan 2026 - 9:30AM

Hong Kong

Gaps laid bare by deadly Hong Kong fire focus of first Legco meeting of new term

City leader John Lee outlines government priorities in wake of November’s blaze, with resettlement of residents and investigations topping list.

15 Jan 2026 - 12:23AMvideocam

Hong Kong

Hong Kong officials urge buy-back plan over ‘challenging’ Wang Fuk Court rebuild

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong says legal and ownership issues make rebuilding unfeasible, with buy-back option the fastest, most flexible solution.

14 Jan 2026 - 11:09PM

Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong to step up crackdown on bid-rigging, Legco told – as it happened

City leader John Lee highlights national integration and post-disaster relief work for Wang Fuk Court as key tasks for new Legco and government.

15 Jan 2026 - 8:11AM

John Lee (left) and Starry Lee. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong

Hong Kong government to replace Tai Po district officer Eunice Chan

Reshuffle not triggered by recent controversy over her choice of attire at firefighter Ho Wai-ho’s funeral but by other complaints, sources say.

13 Jan 2026 - 9:49PM

Tai Po district officer Eunice Chan at the funeral of firefighter Ho Wai-ho last month. Photo: Dickson Lee

Singapore

Singapore takes stock of lessons from Hong Kong’s Tai Po blaze

The city state will study and incorporate into policy frameworks relevant observations made by the Hong Kong authorities about the fire.

12 Jan 2026 - 9:39PMvideocam

Gary Chan Hak-kan

Hong Kong official softens stance on rebuilding homes at Tai Po fire site

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong pledges to take residents’ wishes into account days after saying redevelopment was ‘not practical’.

12 Jan 2026 - 11:21PMvideocam

Hong Kong fires and safety

Exclusive | Hong Kong surveyor’s undeclared role prompts rule review after deadly Tai Po fire

Arrested surveyor’s undeclared link to Wang Fuk Court triggers move from the government to tighten potential conflict of interest rules.

12 Jan 2026 - 8:30AMvideocam

The fire at Wang Fuk Court killed 161 people. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong returning to surplus no excuse for splashing budget cash

Northern Metropolis ambitions and Tai Po fire recovery will test the city’s commitment to fiscal prudence.

11 Jan 2026 - 9:17PMvideocam

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po gives a speech at the Hong Kong Coalition of Professional Services luncheon at New World Harbour View in Wan Chai on March 11, 2025. Photo: Jonathan Wong

SCMP Exclusives

Exclusive | Hong Kong ‘to release list of 161 fire victims’ as rehousing questions grow

Displaced Wang Fuk Court residents call for clarity about rehousing arrangements, says, saying they have received conflicting information.

12 Jan 2026 - 12:09AM

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Legco to discuss post-fire support but question session cancelled

New Legco’s first chamber meeting will also debate lawmaker’s motion calling for review of building maintenance system and crackdown on bid rigging.

10 Jan 2026 - 8:59PM

Hong Kong fires and safety

Including suppliers in new Hong Kong rules on scaffolding nets ‘overreaching’

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn also says there is no need for an across-the-board switch from bamboo to metal scaffolding.

10 Jan 2026 - 8:17PMvideocam

Workers remove scaffolding nets from a building in Hong Kong. Photo: Dickson Lee

Education in Hong Kong

Hong Kong school near fire-hit estate to take over new campus by end of June

Tai Po Baptist Public School principal Siu Ting says pupils expected to begin classes for coming academic year at new premises.

10 Jan 2026 - 5:10PM

Hong Kong fires and safety

Rebuilding fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court ‘not practical’, Hong Kong officials say

Economist urges government to use donation fund to generate investment returns to bridge financial gap for residents waiting for new flats.

12 Jan 2026 - 10:29PM

Mental health

Housing anxiety impeding Hong Kong fire trauma recovery: mental health experts

Many Wang Fuk Court residents displaced by the deadly inferno are now living in hotels, youth hostels or transitional housing.

10 Jan 2026 - 7:39PMvideocam

The Wang Fuk Court blaze claimed 161 lives. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong politics

Outside In | To root out corruption, Hong Kong fire probe must go beyond scapegoats

Public procurement failures often reflect government responsibility, and Hong Kong’s fire investigation must confront that reality.

9 Jan 2026 - 4:30PMvideocam

Members of the independent investigation committee of the Wang Fuk Court fire, wearing protective suits, inspect the fire scene on December 23. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong housing

Survey launched on long-term rehousing plans for Hong Kong fire victims

Nine options for new homes listed, including redeveloping fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court by 2035 at the earliest.

9 Jan 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong society

Letters | As Hongkongers unite around Tai Po, the fire probe must deliver

Readers discuss how to sustain social cohesion in Hong Kong, the kindness of Hongkongers, and why the world must respond to the Venezuela raid.

9 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM

Hong Kong society

Independent committee probing Hong Kong fire to start hearings in first quarter

Former chairman of Bar Association Victor Dawes appointed committee’s lead counsel, according to document seen by the Post.

8 Jan 2026 - 5:45PM

The fire broke out on November 26, raging for about 43 hours and engulfing seven of Wang Fuk Court’s eight blocks. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong society

Editorial | Long-term housing for Tai Po fire survivors requires flexible approach

With some affected residents having to find new accommodation this month, the government must advance work on long-term arrangements.

8 Jan 2026 - 6:45AM

A youth hostel in Kai Tak, seen on November 30, 2025, has been used as a temporary housing facility for survivors of the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po. Photo: Edmond So

Hong Kong

Hong Kong firms set to return to projects as new scaffolding nets expected soon

Deadly Tai Po blaze triggered the citywide removal of protective mesh at around 420 buildings undergoing renovations.

8 Jan 2026 - 3:33AMvideocam

Hong Kong

Tai Po housing site ‘viable option’ for fire victims: Hong Kong councillors

Lo Hiu-fung says government should consider plot, about 1.5km from fire-hit Wang Fuk Court, if it wants to help victims resettle as soon as possible.

7 Jan 2026 - 9:30PM

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Resettling Hong Kong fire victims calls for compassion and fiscal prudence

The authorities must take victims’ preferences into account while residents should be realistic about what the government can do and afford.

Pledges fall short of fixing building sector after Hong Kong inferno: experts

Stalled work to resume as Hong Kong distributes 3,000 fire-tested scaffold nets

Death toll from Hong Kong fire rises to 168 after more remains identified

Security chief Chris Tang updates death toll from Tai Po inferno, saying remains of all victims have now been identified.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Explainer | Bid-rigging clamp, smoke-free construction sites: Hong Kong Legco gets cracking

The Post looks into measures proposed in response to last year’s Wang Fuk Court fire.

Tougher building checks may add costs, slow projects, Hong Kong lawmaker says

Andrew Lam calls for government and legislature to discuss proposal to tighten scrutiny of building maintenance projects in greater depth.

Legal Tales | Time to end bid-rigging in Hong Kong with criminalisation, tougher enforcement

In the wake of the Tai Po fire, an all-too-common practice in building management and maintenance comes under the spotlight – and must be redressed.

Gaps laid bare by deadly Hong Kong fire focus of first Legco meeting of new term

City leader John Lee outlines government priorities in wake of November’s blaze, with resettlement of residents and investigations topping list.

Hong Kong officials urge buy-back plan over ‘challenging’ Wang Fuk Court rebuild

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong says legal and ownership issues make rebuilding unfeasible, with buy-back option the fastest, most flexible solution.

Hong Kong to step up crackdown on bid-rigging, Legco told – as it happened

City leader John Lee highlights national integration and post-disaster relief work for Wang Fuk Court as key tasks for new Legco and government.

Hong Kong government to replace Tai Po district officer Eunice Chan

Reshuffle not triggered by recent controversy over her choice of attire at firefighter Ho Wai-ho’s funeral but by other complaints, sources say.

Singapore takes stock of lessons from Hong Kong’s Tai Po blaze

The city state will study and incorporate into policy frameworks relevant observations made by the Hong Kong authorities about the fire.

Hong Kong official softens stance on rebuilding homes at Tai Po fire site

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong pledges to take residents’ wishes into account days after saying redevelopment was ‘not practical’.

Exclusive | Hong Kong surveyor’s undeclared role prompts rule review after deadly Tai Po fire

Arrested surveyor’s undeclared link to Wang Fuk Court triggers move from the government to tighten potential conflict of interest rules.

Opinion | Hong Kong returning to surplus no excuse for splashing budget cash

Northern Metropolis ambitions and Tai Po fire recovery will test the city’s commitment to fiscal prudence.

Exclusive | Hong Kong ‘to release list of 161 fire victims’ as rehousing questions grow

Displaced Wang Fuk Court residents call for clarity about rehousing arrangements, says, saying they have received conflicting information.

Hong Kong’s Legco to discuss post-fire support but question session cancelled

New Legco’s first chamber meeting will also debate lawmaker’s motion calling for review of building maintenance system and crackdown on bid rigging.

Including suppliers in new Hong Kong rules on scaffolding nets ‘overreaching’

Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn also says there is no need for an across-the-board switch from bamboo to metal scaffolding.

Hong Kong school near fire-hit estate to take over new campus by end of June

Tai Po Baptist Public School principal Siu Ting says pupils expected to begin classes for coming academic year at new premises.

Rebuilding fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court ‘not practical’, Hong Kong officials say

Economist urges government to use donation fund to generate investment returns to bridge financial gap for residents waiting for new flats.

Housing anxiety impeding Hong Kong fire trauma recovery: mental health experts

Many Wang Fuk Court residents displaced by the deadly inferno are now living in hotels, youth hostels or transitional housing.

Outside In | To root out corruption, Hong Kong fire probe must go beyond scapegoats

Public procurement failures often reflect government responsibility, and Hong Kong’s fire investigation must confront that reality.

Survey launched on long-term rehousing plans for Hong Kong fire victims

Nine options for new homes listed, including redeveloping fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court by 2035 at the earliest.

Letters | As Hongkongers unite around Tai Po, the fire probe must deliver

Readers discuss how to sustain social cohesion in Hong Kong, the kindness of Hongkongers, and why the world must respond to the Venezuela raid.

Independent committee probing Hong Kong fire to start hearings in first quarter

Former chairman of Bar Association Victor Dawes appointed committee’s lead counsel, according to document seen by the Post.

Editorial | Long-term housing for Tai Po fire survivors requires flexible approach

With some affected residents having to find new accommodation this month, the government must advance work on long-term arrangements.

Hong Kong firms set to return to projects as new scaffolding nets expected soon

Deadly Tai Po blaze triggered the citywide removal of protective mesh at around 420 buildings undergoing renovations.

Tai Po housing site ‘viable option’ for fire victims: Hong Kong councillors

Lo Hiu-fung says government should consider plot, about 1.5km from fire-hit Wang Fuk Court, if it wants to help victims resettle as soon as possible.

Editorial | Resettling Hong Kong fire victims calls for compassion and fiscal prudence

Explainer | Bid-rigging clamp, smoke-free construction sites: Hong Kong Legco gets cracking