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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/

The fire at Wang Fuk Court killed 168 people. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong fires and safety

21 Wang Fuk Court homeowners, residents to give evidence in fire probe

Independent committee set up to investigate deadly fire publishes list of 37 ‘involved parties’ ahead of hearings to collect evidence.

17 Mar 2026 - 6:23PM

Executive Council of Hong Kong

Hong Kong to unveil plans this month for Tai Po fire victims to retrieve items

17 Mar 2026 - 10:03PM

Hong Kong

Over 300 Wang Fuk Court homeowners to petition Hong Kong’s John Lee for meeting

16 Mar 2026 - 8:41AM

Hong Kong

Wang Fuk Court residents in resettlement limbo slam ‘unhelpful’ engagement staff

Hongkongers displaced by Tai Po fire say they are frustrated with outreach officers’ failure to answer questions and explain rehousing options.

14 Mar 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

The fire that broke out at Wang Fuk Court last November raged for nearly two days, killing 168 people and displacing about 5,000 residents. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong police

Editorial | Theft arrests highlight urgency of reopening Tai Po fire site to victims

Ultimately, displaced residents’ sense of security hinges on being able to return and assess what was lost, and to then find permanent homes.

12 Mar 2026 - 6:45AM

Hong Kong

Tai Po fire: Hong Kong Red Cross raises HK$530 million for affected residents

Charity says it has ended donation drive and vows no more than 5 per cent of funds will go towards administrative fees.

11 Mar 2026 - 12:04AM

Hong Kong police

Hong Kong police recover credit card amid theft fears at fire-hit Tai Po estate

Suspected misused card found in sealed Wang Fuk Court flat as police tighten security following burglary and arrests of construction workers.

9 Mar 2026 - 7:57PM

Construction workers at Wang Fuk Court are escorted by police officers as part of enhanced security screening. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong

Hong Kong police boost checks at Tai Po fire block after jewellery theft arrests

Workers required to store personal belongings including mobile phones in lockers and not allowed to carry more than HK$500 in cash onto the site.

8 Mar 2026 - 10:31PM

Crime in Hong Kong

3 arrested over theft at Tai Po fire block, HK$90,000 in jewellery seized

Police arrest three workers responsible for structural reinforcement at the estate destroyed in blaze.

6 Mar 2026 - 11:58PM

Hong Kong

Hong Kong grants HK$6.15 million to family of firefighter killed in Tai Po blaze

Government grant honours bravery of Ho Wai-ho, who died during search and rescue operation at Wang Fuk Court.

6 Mar 2026 - 3:57PM

The family of deceased firefighter Ho Wai-ho will receive HK$6.15 million in financial support. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong fires and safety

Letters | Hong Kong cannot allow a wait-and-see approach to fire safety

Readers discuss fire safety compliance, palliative care, and the diversity of religious life in Singapore.

2 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on December 10, days after a devastating fire broke out. Photo: Karma Lo

Hong Kong

Hi-tech aids proposed to help elderly climb stairs to fire-ravaged Tai Po flats

Wang Fuk Court residents will soon be allowed to check their flats and collect personal items but lifts remain inoperative.

28 Feb 2026 - 11:03PMvideocam

Hong Kong

Residents of fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court can retrieve belongings from late April

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk says two-month preparatory period will prioritise safety with access granted in stages.

26 Feb 2026 - 10:35PM

Hong Kong

Hong Kong fire department to review strategies following Tai Po inferno

New steering committee within Fire Services Department will evaluate operational strategies.

24 Feb 2026 - 11:55PM

The Wang Fuk Court blaze tore through seven residential buildings. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong society

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: John Lee hails ‘role models’ as firefighters feted

Sa’diyya Nesar wins the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award for her work in promoting disability inclusion.

25 Feb 2026 - 1:12AM

(Front row, from left) Fire services chief Andy Yeung, the SCMP’s Tammy Tam, Alibaba’s Joe Tsai, perseverance award finalist Cassie Li, Chief Executive John Lee, Ocean Park’s Paulo Pong and Sino Group’s Nikki Ng with other finalists and guests at the ceremony. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong housing

Editorial | Buy-back plan offers Hong Kong’s fire-hit homeowners a fresh start

Generous pricing and a flat-exchange pledge make this settlement package a swift and practical solution for affected households.

24 Feb 2026 - 7:15AM

Hong Kong national security law

Hong Kong commentator facing up to 7 years in jail in seditious posts case

Magistrate grants prosecutors’ request to transfer case of Wong Kwok-ngon, known by pen name Wong On-yin, to higher District Court.

23 Feb 2026 - 7:00PM

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong fire victims to keep receiving HK$150,000 annual aid until rehoused

If the exchange flat is not ready for 2½ years, the annual subsidy will continue until they move in, an official says.

23 Feb 2026 - 9:42PM

The Tai Po fire claimed 168 lives and displaced about 5,000 when it swept the Wang Fuk Court residential complex last November. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong society

Some Tai Po fire survivors doubtful over government’s ‘unfair’ rehousing plan

Some residents of Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court dissatisfied with HK$6.8 billion flat buy-back proposal, continue asking for in-situ redevelopment.

23 Feb 2026 - 7:40PM

Hong Kong Basic Law

Hong Kong official warns of lower payout if Tai Po fire victims reject buy-back plan

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong urges Wang Fuk Court flat owners to ‘make a wise decision’ or face lower compensation under possible legislation.

22 Feb 2026 - 7:31PM

Hong Kong

Editorial | Social workers handling Hong Kong fire cases should be well supported

The death of a social worker has focused attention on the heavy workload of Social Welfare Department staff in the aftermath of the disaster.

22 Feb 2026 - 6:45AM

Flowers are seen on January 5 in front of the Wang Fuk Court apartment blocks in Tai Po where a deadly fire broke out on November 26, 2025. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong housing

Wang Fuk Court buyback plan disappoints some residents despite ‘generous’ offer

Government announces offer to purchase flats destroyed in blaze at HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 per square foot, but some residents prefer redevelopment.

21 Feb 2026 - 11:43PM

The government has ruled out redeveloping Wang Fuk Court, as it could take nine to 10 years. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors

Hong Kong to spend HK$6.8 billion buying back fire-ravaged Tai Po flats

Deputy financial secretary says government offering HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 per square foot and will draw HK$4 billion from public funds.

21 Feb 2026 - 11:16PM

Hong Kong society

Editorial | Fixed penalty can spark reduction in smoking on Hong Kong construction sites

Imposing a predetermined fine for smoking on construction sites should improve safety and ensure greater compliance.

21 Feb 2026 - 7:15AM

Hong Kong housing

Tai Po fire owners to get buy-back offer of up to about HK$10,000 per square foot

Government sources say resettlement plan to be announced as early as Saturday.

21 Feb 2026 - 10:39PM

The deadly fire killed 168 people at Wang Fuk Court last November. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong workers/labour rights

Workers ready to sacrifice Lunar New Year break as scaffold net rules bite

Labour groups warn of rising unemployment as stricter scaffold net rules stall projects and leave hundreds of workers unpaid for months.

18 Feb 2026 - 9:27PM

Plumber Anson Hui has gone from earning about HK$40,000 a month to HK$10,000 amid delays to major maintenance projects. Photo: Edmond So

Crime in Hong Kong

22 arrested as Hong Kong’s ICAC raids firms linked to shady renovation deals

Arrests related to seven building renovation projects involving contracts worth more than HK$200 million.

13 Feb 2026 - 10:19PM

Education in Hong Kong

University in Hong Kong ‘expels’ student arrested for sedition over Tai Po fire

Miles Kwan, who was arrested after launching a petition calling on the government to meet four demands following the blaze, claims he has been expelled.

13 Feb 2026 - 10:07PM

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

21 Wang Fuk Court homeowners, residents to give evidence in fire probe

Independent committee set up to investigate deadly fire publishes list of 37 ‘involved parties’ ahead of hearings to collect evidence.

Hong Kong to unveil plans this month for Tai Po fire victims to retrieve items

Over 300 Wang Fuk Court homeowners to petition Hong Kong’s John Lee for meeting

Wang Fuk Court residents in resettlement limbo slam ‘unhelpful’ engagement staff

Hongkongers displaced by Tai Po fire say they are frustrated with outreach officers’ failure to answer questions and explain rehousing options.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Editorial | Theft arrests highlight urgency of reopening Tai Po fire site to victims

Ultimately, displaced residents’ sense of security hinges on being able to return and assess what was lost, and to then find permanent homes.

Tai Po fire: Hong Kong Red Cross raises HK$530 million for affected residents

Charity says it has ended donation drive and vows no more than 5 per cent of funds will go towards administrative fees.

Hong Kong police recover credit card amid theft fears at fire-hit Tai Po estate

Suspected misused card found in sealed Wang Fuk Court flat as police tighten security following burglary and arrests of construction workers.

Hong Kong police boost checks at Tai Po fire block after jewellery theft arrests

Workers required to store personal belongings including mobile phones in lockers and not allowed to carry more than HK$500 in cash onto the site.

3 arrested over theft at Tai Po fire block, HK$90,000 in jewellery seized

Police arrest three workers responsible for structural reinforcement at the estate destroyed in blaze.

Hong Kong grants HK$6.15 million to family of firefighter killed in Tai Po blaze

Government grant honours bravery of Ho Wai-ho, who died during search and rescue operation at Wang Fuk Court.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Hong Kong cannot allow a wait-and-see approach to fire safety

Readers discuss fire safety compliance, palliative care, and the diversity of religious life in Singapore.

Hi-tech aids proposed to help elderly climb stairs to fire-ravaged Tai Po flats

Wang Fuk Court residents will soon be allowed to check their flats and collect personal items but lifts remain inoperative.

Residents of fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court can retrieve belongings from late April

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk says two-month preparatory period will prioritise safety with access granted in stages.

Hong Kong fire department to review strategies following Tai Po inferno

New steering committee within Fire Services Department will evaluate operational strategies.

Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: John Lee hails ‘role models’ as firefighters feted

Sa’diyya Nesar wins the Lion Rock People’s Choice Award for her work in promoting disability inclusion.

Editorial | Buy-back plan offers Hong Kong’s fire-hit homeowners a fresh start

Generous pricing and a flat-exchange pledge make this settlement package a swift and practical solution for affected households.

Hong Kong commentator facing up to 7 years in jail in seditious posts case

Magistrate grants prosecutors’ request to transfer case of Wong Kwok-ngon, known by pen name Wong On-yin, to higher District Court.

Hong Kong fire victims to keep receiving HK$150,000 annual aid until rehoused

If the exchange flat is not ready for 2½ years, the annual subsidy will continue until they move in, an official says.

Some Tai Po fire survivors doubtful over government’s ‘unfair’ rehousing plan

Some residents of Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court dissatisfied with HK$6.8 billion flat buy-back proposal, continue asking for in-situ redevelopment.

Hong Kong official warns of lower payout if Tai Po fire victims reject buy-back plan

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong urges Wang Fuk Court flat owners to ‘make a wise decision’ or face lower compensation under possible legislation.

Editorial | Social workers handling Hong Kong fire cases should be well supported

The death of a social worker has focused attention on the heavy workload of Social Welfare Department staff in the aftermath of the disaster.

Wang Fuk Court buyback plan disappoints some residents despite ‘generous’ offer

Government announces offer to purchase flats destroyed in blaze at HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 per square foot, but some residents prefer redevelopment.

Hong Kong to spend HK$6.8 billion buying back fire-ravaged Tai Po flats

Deputy financial secretary says government offering HK$8,000 or HK$10,500 per square foot and will draw HK$4 billion from public funds.

Editorial | Fixed penalty can spark reduction in smoking on Hong Kong construction sites

Imposing a predetermined fine for smoking on construction sites should improve safety and ensure greater compliance.

Tai Po fire owners to get buy-back offer of up to about HK$10,000 per square foot

Government sources say resettlement plan to be announced as early as Saturday.

Workers ready to sacrifice Lunar New Year break as scaffold net rules bite

Labour groups warn of rising unemployment as stricter scaffold net rules stall projects and leave hundreds of workers unpaid for months.

22 arrested as Hong Kong’s ICAC raids firms linked to shady renovation deals

Arrests related to seven building renovation projects involving contracts worth more than HK$200 million.

University in Hong Kong ‘expels’ student arrested for sedition over Tai Po fire

Miles Kwan, who was arrested after launching a petition calling on the government to meet four demands following the blaze, claims he has been expelled.

Editorial | Theft arrests highlight urgency of reopening Tai Po fire site to victims

Letters | Hong Kong cannot allow a wait-and-see approach to fire safety