Wang Fuk Court fire

{{Short description|2025 apartment fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong}} {{Use Hong Kong English|date=November 2025}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Infobox event | title = Wang Fuk Court fire | image = Wang Fuk Court fire 2025 night view (am370).png | image_upright = 1.08 | caption = | mapframe = yes | mapframe-zoom = 10 | mapframe-marker-colour = #FF0000 | mapframe-marker = fire-station | coordinates = {{Coord|22.44647|114.17627|type:event_region:CN-HK|display=inline,title}} | date = {{Start date and age|2025|11|26|df=yes}} | time = 14:51 | timezone = [[Hong Kong Time|HKT]], [[UTC+08:00]] | duration = 43 hours 27 minutes (extinguished at 10:18 on 28 November) | location = [[Wang Fuk Court]] [[Tai Po District]], New Territories, Hong Kong | type = [[Structure fire|Residential high‑rise fire]] | cause = The preliminary investigation determined that it was caused by a cigarette butt left behind from smoking.<ref>{{Cite web |title=宏福苑調查｜起火原因最有可能是煙頭光井平台起火點發現紙箱殘骸及煙頭 |url=https://www.dotdotnews.com/a/202603/19/AP69bb8012e4b0c32d4f6c4b21.html |access-date=2026-04-29 |website=點新聞-dotdotnews |language=zh-Hans-HK}}</ref> | reported deaths = 168<ref name="RTHK-168-zh">{{cite news |title=鄧炳強：宏福苑火災死亡人數增至168人暫不公布死者名單 |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1840037-20260115.htm |work=[[RTHK]] |date=15 January 2026 |access-date=15 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260115155554/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1840037-20260115.htm |archive-date=15 January 2026 |language=zh-hk}}</ref><ref name="RTHK-168-en">{{cite news |title=Casualties from Wang Fuk Court fire rise to 168 |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1840045-20260115.htm |work=[[RTHK]] |date=15 January 2026 |access-date=15 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260115155623/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1840045-20260115.htm |archive-date=15 January 2026 |language=en}}</ref> | reported injuries = 79 | arrests = 16 | suspects = | accused = | convicted = | charges = | verdict = | convictions = | sentence = }}

On 26 November 2025, a large fire broke out at the [[Wang Fuk Court]] apartment complex in [[Tai Po District]], New Territories, Hong Kong, and burned for 43 hours and 27 minutes. Seven out of the eight blocks of the complex were consumed by the fire. The incident killed 168 people, including one firefighter, and injured 79. Most casualties were found inside their apartments. It was the first [[five-alarm fire]] in Hong Kong since the 2008 [[Cornwall Court fire]] and the deadliest fire accident in Hong Kong since the 1948 [[Wing On warehouse fire]], which resulted in 176 deaths.

At the time of the fire, the apartment complex was undergoing major repairs to the exterior walls of all eight residential towers. [[Bamboo scaffolding]] was erected to the full height of the buildings and was wrapped in construction [[safety net]]s and [[tarpaulin|tarps]]. As early as 14:00 [[Hong Kong Time|HKT]] ([[UTC+08:00]]) at Wang Cheong House (Block F), the safety netting covering the lower floors was ignited. Flammable [[expanded polystyrene]] foam (Styrofoam) boards covering the windows acted as potential [[accelerant]]s for the fire, which quickly spread inside the building and then to the adjacent blocks.

==Background== ===Wang Fuk Court=== [[File:Wang Fuk Court.jpg|thumb|right|Wang Fuk Court in 2009]]

[[Wang Fuk Court]] is a subsidised government [[Home Ownership Scheme]] housing complex located in [[Tai Po]], which is part of the [[Tai Po District]] in the [[New Territories]], Hong Kong. The estate was built in 1983 and has eight residential blocks, each 31 storeys tall with nearly 2,000 units in total. They are among the tallest buildings in Tai Po.<ref name="Wertheimer"/><ref name="guardian_20251126"/> According to the [[2021 population census in Hong Kong|2021 population census]], there were 4,643 residents in the complex.<ref name="BBC News 中文-2025" /> Data from the same census showed that nearly 40% of the residents were [[Elderly|senior citizens]] aged 65 and above.<ref name="Wertheimer"/>

An inspection in 2016 mandated large-scale repairs for the estate.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 July 2024 |title=宏福苑 3.3 億天價維修費業主要求開大會無回音居民擬入稟遭警告或須付訟費 |url=https://hk.news.yahoo.com/宏福苑-33-億天價維修費-業主要求開大會無回音-居民擬入稟遭警告或須付訟費︱yahoo-091255861.html |trans-title=Hong Fuk Yuen's exorbitant NT$330 million repair bill prompts residents to demand a general meeting, but receive no response. Residents plan to file a lawsuit but have been warned and may have to pay legal costs |publisher=[[Yahoo Hong Kong]] |archive-date=30 November 2025 |access-date=7 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251130084304/https://hk.news.yahoo.com/宏福苑-33-億天價維修費-業主要求開大會無回音-居民擬入稟遭警告或須付訟費︱yahoo-091255861.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2024, the owners' corporation{{efn|Owners of an estate are to form a corporation for the estate's maintenance and upkeep.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Formation of Owners' Corporation – Introduction |url=https://www.buildingmgt.gov.hk/en/Formation_of_Owners_Corporation/4_1.html |website=Building Management |access-date=26 November 2025 |archive-date=4 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251204141551/https://www.buildingmgt.gov.hk/en/Formation_of_Owners_Corporation/4_1.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hong Kong e-Legislation |url=https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/checkconfig/checkClientConfig.jsp?applicationId=RA001 |website=Hong Kong e-Legislation |access-date=26 November 2025 |archive-date=20 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820021817/http://www.legislation.gov.hk/blis_pdf.nsf/6799165D2FEE3FA94825755E0033E532/C8A3B2AECFB759D5482575EF0017A5D5/$FILE/CAP_542_e_b5.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>}} presented three repair plans, with costs ranging from {{HKDConvert|150|m}} to {{HKDConvert|330|m}}. The first two plans, both 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.<ref>{{Cite news |author=郭梓謙 |date=24 July 2024 |title=大埔宏福苑法團通過3.3億工程業主擬召特別大會被警告要付訟費 |url=https://www.hk01.com/18區新聞/1041007/大埔宏福苑法團通過3-3億工程-業主擬召特別大會被警告要付訟費 |trans-title=The owners of the HK$330 million Hung Fook Estate project in Tai Po have been warned of legal costs as they plan to convene a special general meeting |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[HK01]] |language=zh-HK |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128233712/https://www.hk01.com/18區新聞/1041007/大埔宏福苑法團通過3-3億工程-業主擬召特別大會被警告要付訟費 |url-status=live}}</ref> The third plan, which was eventually chosen, was estimated at HK$330 million<ref name="CNBC-2025a">{{Cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=Hong Kong fire kills 55, hundreds missing as police blame 'grossly negligent' construction firm |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/27/hong-kong-tower-fire-toll-rises-to-44-police-arrest-three.html |access-date=4 December 2025 |publisher=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=3 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251203100743/https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/27/hong-kong-tower-fire-toll-rises-to-44-police-arrest-three.html |url-status=live}}</ref> and entailed completely rebuilding the exterior walls and paving them with tessera.<ref name="hket-4044146">{{Cite web |author=高怡 |title=大埔居屋宏福苑現五級火造成多人死傷棚架燒毀濃煙升上半空 |url=https://ps.hket.com/article/4044146/?mtc=80002 |access-date=26 November 2025 |website=[[Hong Kong Economic Times]] |archive-date=7 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207041142/https://ps.hket.com/article/4044146/?mtc=80002 |url-status=live}}</ref> The registered contractor was Prestige Construction and Engineering Company.<ref name="Davidson-2025">{{Cite web |last1=Davidson |first1=Helen |last2=Holmes |first2=Oliver |date=27 November 2025 |title=Hong Kong police say unsafe scaffolding and foam may have spread fire that killed at least 94 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/nov/27/hong-kong-fire-tai-po-police-blame-construction-company |work=The Guardian}}</ref> The project's structural engineering consultancy was provided by {{ill|Will Power Architects Company Limited|yue|鴻毅建築師}}, whose two directors were arrested after the fire by the [[Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)|ICAC]] in connection with suspected [[corruption]] during the renovations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 December 2025 |title=Flat owners warned as consultant on fire-hit Hong Kong estate signals exit |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3335237/flat-owners-warned-consultant-fire-hit-hong-kong-estate-signals-exit |last=Lam |first=Ka-sing |access-date=6 December 2025 |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |url-access=registration}}</ref> In June 2024, Prestige could not source the original tessera tiles and switched to ceramic tiles.<ref name="hket-4044146" />

Prestige Construction had a prior history of safety violations. The company was convicted of two safety offences in a project in the [[Mid-Levels]] in November 2023, and was fined three times in 2023 for separate violations totalling HK$30,000. A shareholder of the company was imprisoned in 2009 for bribing the Housing Society.

At the time of the fire, all eight buildings of the complex were enveloped in [[bamboo scaffolding]] and green [[safety net]]ting for external renovation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/asia/hong-kong-fire-bamboo-scaffolding-polystyrene-netting/106092314 |title=Is bamboo really to blame for Hong Kong's deadly towering inferno? Experts are divided |first=Chris |last=Bartlett |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |date=2 December 2025 |access-date=7 December 2025 |archive-date=6 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251206092626/https://www.abc.net.au/asia/hong-kong-fire-bamboo-scaffolding-polystyrene-netting/106092314 |url-status=live}}</ref> Furthermore, the interior windows of each floor's elevator room and all exterior windows had been sealed with flammable [[polystyrene]].<ref name="bbc_c2emg1kj1klt"/><ref name="initium-2025" />

There had been a renovation in the past year prior to the fire, and an investigation has been launched into suspected corruption related to the renovation.<ref name="CNBC-2025a" />

=== Warnings to the government before the fire === In 2023, other residents filed reports to the government about fire hazards, including the safety nets, foam boards, and smoking, but said their reports did not result in any changes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Press |first=Hong Kong Free |date=2026-02-22 |title=HK: Tai Po fire survivors recall futile whistle-blowing attempts |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2026/02/22/govt-should-bear-greatest-responsibility-tai-po-fire-survivors-recall-futile-whistle-blowing-attempts/ |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Since July 2024, the [[Labour Department (Hong Kong)|Labour Department]] had conducted 16 inspections of the site, with the final inspection occurring just one week before the fire. Three prosecutions had been initiated and six improvement notices issued during this period.<ref name="CNBC-2025a" /> The Labour Department said that when conducting the 16 inspections, it found that the complaints over workers smoking at the site were unsubstantiated.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Leung |first=Hillary |date=2026-04-12 |title=Tai Po fire inquiry: Key findings from first 10 days of Wang Fuk Court hearings |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2026/04/12/tai-po-fire-inquiry-key-findings-from-first-10-days-of-wang-fuk-court-hearings/ |access-date=2026-05-08 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}</ref> However, Senior Counsel Victor Dawes in April 2026 said that the initial cause of the fire was likely a cigarette in a stairwell.<ref name=":1" />

In September 2024, some residents contacted the Labour Department, asking if the nets were safe, with the department answering "The chances of fire breaking out on scaffolding nets are low."<ref name=":0" /> A report was also made to the Labour Department regarding construction workers smoking near the nets, but the issue was not resolved.<ref name=":0" />

In November 2024, a resident called the Fire Services Department to ask about the foam boards covering the windows, to which the department said there were no regulations and the foam boards were not illegal.<ref name=":0" /> Multiple people had complained to the FSD, with the assistant commissioner of the FSD saying "The issue of fixing polystyrene boards on building windows was not under the purview of the FSD."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=James |date=2026-03-20 |title=Tai Po fire hearing: Fire department dismissed foam board complaints |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2026/03/20/tai-po-fire-probe-hong-kong-fire-department-dismissed-residents-complaints-about-foam-boards/ |access-date=2026-04-05 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Near the end of 2024, a resident went to the government's [[Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)|ICAC]] department twice to report corruption with the project's consultant and construction contractor.<ref name=":0" /> ICAC told him that they would not begin any investigations based on his complaint, saying it was a business dispute.<ref name=":0" /> He went again in April 2025 with a second resident to the ICAC office but was told there was no evidence to pursue the case.<ref name=":0" /> A third resident later went to the ICAC office but the complaint did not result in ICAC investigating the report.<ref name=":0" /> The second resident later said "Why did [the ICAC] not take our reports at the time, but it immediately arrested people two days after the incident?"<ref name=":0" />

In early 2025, residents visited the government's Urban Renewal Authority (URA) to report issues with the project, but were told that they should deal directly with the consultant.<ref name=":0" />

In October 2025, about a month before the fire, a resident at Wang Fuk filed two reports to the government's Housing Department about the quality of the safety nets, asking authorities to review the nets as soon as possible.<ref name=":0" /> The department did not mention in its reply if the department had inspected the nets.<ref name=":0" />

In April 2026, one resident whose family members were killed in the fire, stated that his family had previously complained about the project to ICAC and to the [[Home Affairs Department]], and that the fire could have been avoided if the government had taken the complaints seriously.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tse |first=Hans |date=2026-04-16 |title=HK fire survivor recalls final calls with trapped loved ones |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2026/04/16/tai-po-fire-survivor-recalls-final-calls-with-trapped-loved-ones-vows-to-speak-up-for-family/ |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In March 2026, the government's Labour Department, Fire Services Department, and the Housing Bureau's Independent Checking Unit all denied that it was their responsibility to check that the construction materials met fireproof safety regulations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-19 |title=Deadly Tai Po fire revealed ‘unacceptable systemic failings’, inquiry hears |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3347214/deadly-tai-po-fire-revealed-unacceptable-systemic-failings-inquiry-hears |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-05 |title=Opinion {{!}} Tai Po fire hearings reveal broken promises to Hongkongers |url=https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3348966/tai-po-fire-hearings-reveal-broken-promises-hongkongers |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref>

===Bamboo scaffolding and construction safety netting=== [[File:Wang Fuk Court, one day before the fire, encased in bamboo scaffolding and green netting, November 25, 2025 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Wang Fuk Court]] the day before the fire, enveloped in [[bamboo scaffolding]] and green safety netting<ref name="Wertheimer"/>]]

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,<ref>{{Cite news |author=黃學潤 |date=27 February 2025 |title=德士古道棚架起火180人疏散往荃錦交匯處一度封閉 |url=https://www.hk01.com/突發/60214713/德士古道棚架起火180人疏散-往荃錦交匯處一度封閉 |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[HK01]] |language=zh-HK |trans-title=A fire broke out on the scaffolding along Texaco Road, and 180 people were evacuated to the Tsuen Kam Interchange, which was temporarily closed |archive-date=9 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251209024640/https://www.hk01.com/突發/60214713/德士古道棚架起火180人疏散-往荃錦交匯處一度封閉 |url-status=live}}</ref> and in October at {{ill|Chinachem Tower|yue|華懋大廈}} in [[Central, Hong Kong|Central]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wan |first=Johnny |date=20 October 2025 |title=Central building 'structurally sound' after fire ripped through scaffolding; 4 people remain in hospital |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/10/20/central-building-structurally-sound-after-fire-ripped-through-scaffolding-four-people-remain-in-hospital |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |language=en}}</ref> at the Casa Delight construction site,<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2025 |title=Fire breaks out at construction site in Hong Kong's Kai Tak |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3330726/fire-breaks-out-construction-site-hong-kongs-kai-tak |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=6 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251206073030/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3330726/fire-breaks-out-construction-site-hong-kongs-kai-tak |url-status=live}}</ref> and at a [[University of Hong Kong]] dormitory.<ref>{{Cite news |author=凌逸德 |date=30 October 2025 |title=香港大學西苑宿舍地盤棚架起火消防到場救熄 |url=https://www.hk01.com/突發/60290137/香港大學西苑宿舍地盤棚架起火-消防到場救熄 |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[HK01]] |language=zh-HK |archive-date=11 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211040224/https://www.hk01.com/突發/60290137/香港大學西苑宿舍地盤棚架起火-消防到場救熄 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑大火大廈維修竹棚安全網易燃阻燃棚網屬關鍵 |url=https://ps.hket.com/article/4044270 |access-date=26 November 2025 |website=Hong Kong Economic Times |language=zh}}</ref>

Bamboo scaffolding is typically used in Hong Kong building construction and maintenance.<ref name="Cheung">{{Cite news |last=Cheung |first=Catharina |date=20 March 2025 |title=Hong Kong will start to phase out its iconic bamboo scaffolding |url=https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/news/hong-kong-will-start-to-phase-out-its-iconic-bamboo-scaffolding-032025 |work=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]] |archive-date=30 November 2025 |access-date=27 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251130070035/https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/news/hong-kong-will-start-to-phase-out-its-iconic-bamboo-scaffolding-032025 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hong Kong-2025">{{Cite news |date=19 March 2025 |title=Hong Kong's iconic bamboo scaffolds on their way out |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/03/19/hong-kongs-iconic-bamboo-scaffolds-on-their-way-out/ |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]]}}</ref> According to a January 2025 estimate by industry representatives, nearly 80% of scaffolding in Hong Kong was bamboo-based.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hong Kong's bamboo scaffolding under scrutiny after fatal fire |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251128-hong-kong-s-bamboo-scaffolding-under-scrutiny-after-fatal-fire |publisher=[[France 24]] |agency=[[Agence France-Presse]] |date=28 November 2025 |access-date=30 November 2025 |archive-date=2 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251202060819/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251128-hong-kong-s-bamboo-scaffolding-under-scrutiny-after-fatal-fire |url-status=live}}</ref> The chairperson of the Hong Kong Institution of Safety Practitioners, Lee Kwong-sing, stated that bamboo scaffolding and [[Fire retardant|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 the construction process.<ref name="AM730-622376">{{cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火｜專家料棚架有雜物加上風高物燥肇禍火屑波及單位「呢下先恐怖」 |url=https://www.am730.com.hk/本地/大埔宏福苑五級火-專家料棚架有雜物加上風高物燥肇禍-火屑波及單位-呢下先恐怖-/622376 |website=[[AM730]]}}</ref> The Labour Department made several inspections of the construction site and found that the safety nets were certified to meet flame retardant standards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=曾巡查工程16次提3宗檢控勞工處 : 資料顯示棚網阻燃效能符合認可標準 |url=https://www.stheadline.com/society/3521867 |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[Sing Tao Daily]] |language=zh-HK}}</ref>

While the [[Labour Department (Hong Kong)|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.<ref>{{cite web |title=竹棚架工作安全守則 |url=https://www.labour.gov.hk/tc/public/pdf/os/B/Bamboo.pdf |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=香港勞工處 |archive-date=28 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250328063427/https://www.labour.gov.hk/tc/public/pdf/os/B/Bamboo.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="RTHK">{{Cite web |title=李光昇：有理由相信宏福苑涉事棚網無阻燃性質 |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1833530-20251127.htm |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[RTHK]] |language=zh-tw}}</ref> Flame-retardant netting used in a scaffolding of {{Convert|18|m|ft}} by {{Convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}} would cost {{HKDConvert|90}} and has to be disposed after a single use due to the flame retardant properties degrading under the sun due to UV and environmental exposure, while an ordinary netting without fire retardancy would cost {{HKDConvert|50}} and is reusable.<ref name="RTHK" /> Consequently, some construction sites may have opted to use ordinary netting without flame retardancy as a cost-saving measure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=宏福苑五級火｜外牆棚架圍網著火或助長火勢蔓延不少單位焚毀居民損失慘重 |url=https://news.tvb.com/tc/local/6926e8d3e43529412929caef/港澳-宏福苑五級火｜外牆棚架圍網著火或助長火勢蔓延-不少單位焚毀居民損失慘重 |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[TVB News]] |language=zh-HK |archive-date=26 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251126144034/https://news.tvb.com/tc/local/6926e8d3e43529412929caef/港澳-宏福苑五級火｜外牆棚架圍網著火或助長火勢蔓延-不少單位焚毀居民損失慘重 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AM730-622376" />

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.<ref name="Cheung" /><ref name="Hong Kong-2025" /> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt's prior warning on flame-retardant nets sparks attention after Wang Fuk Court fire |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/317875/Govts-prior-warning-on-flame-retardant-nets-sparks-attention-after-Wang-Fuk-Court-fire |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[The Standard (Hong Kong)|The Standard]] |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251204113120/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/317875/Govts-prior-warning-on-flame-retardant-nets-sparks-attention-after-Wang-Fuk-Court-fire |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Other potential contributory factors=== Residents had alleged as early as September 2024 that the construction workers had been [[smoking]], littering [[cigarette butts]] throughout the construction site.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=香港宏福苑大火／住戶疑棚網破舊釀災投訴工人吸菸竟遭回「火災風險低」 |url=https://tw.news.yahoo.com/share/cc3e5970-bf31-365e-8bf0-b4f82db9ec3b |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=Yahoo News |language=zh-Hant-TW}}</ref> A former security staff also claimed that as early as May 2025, he had found the [[fire alarm system]] intentionally turned off so that workers could enter and exit buildings more conveniently.<ref>{{cite web |title=大埔宏福苑五級火｜居民走火警無警鐘響前保安主管：警鐘系統疑遭關閉方便出入 |url=https://www.am730.com.hk/本地/大埔宏福苑五級火-居民走火警無警鐘響-前保安主管-警鐘系統疑遭關閉方便出入/622703 |access-date=28 November 2025 |website=AM730}}</ref> Authorities also suspected that some materials on the exterior bamboo walls did not meet fire resistance standards, allowing the fast spread of the fire.<ref name="Rising">{{Cite news |date=28 November 2025 |title=Death toll rises to 128 in Hong Kong residential fire as 8 more arrested over towers' renovation |url=https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-tai-po-wang-fuk-court-fire-a84627d7f3ee62050c36a9aa3218205c |first1=David |last1=Rising |first2=Ho-him |last2=Chan |access-date=28 November 2025 |work=[[AP News]] |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128032323/https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-tai-po-wang-fuk-court-fire-a84627d7f3ee62050c36a9aa3218205c |url-status=live}}</ref> The construction safety netting enclosed the buildings in a manner that created a [[chimney effect]], promoting strong upward convection, fuelling rapid fire growth.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinha |first=Sujita |title=How faulty fire barriers helped flames race up the Hong Kong tower |url=https://interestingengineering.com/culture/why-hong-kongs-deadly-blaze-spread-so-fast |access-date=28 November 2025 |website=Interesting Engineering |language=en |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128052647/https://interestingengineering.com/culture/why-hong-kongs-deadly-blaze-spread-so-fast |url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, some of the windows in stairs were converted from glass to wood, so that workers could enter and exit the exterior more conveniently.<ref>{{cite web |title=宏福苑五級火｜直擊走火樓梯漏洞部分密封窗疑變「開窿木窗」居民控訴阻礙逃生：監管制度崩潰晒 - 集誌社 |url=https://thecollectivehk.com/宏福苑五級火直擊走火樓梯漏洞密封窗疑變開窿/ |access-date=5 December 2025 |date=5 December 2025 |archive-date=5 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205012132/https://thecollectivehk.com/宏福苑五級火直擊走火樓梯漏洞密封窗疑變開窿/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On the day of the fire, Hong Kong was affected by the [[northeast monsoon]] season. The weather was dry with strong winds.<ref name="initium-2025">{{Cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=香港宏福苑大火至少55死：火勢為何急速蔓延、又為何未升至「災難級」？ |url=https://theinitium.com/20251127-whatsnew-hongkong-taipo-fire-information/ |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[端傳媒]]}}</ref> The relative [[humidity]] recorded in the district area for that afternoon was 40% to 50%.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火13死‧不斷更新｜習近平哀悼遇難人員要求全力撲滅火災增至七人危殆 |url=https://news.hket.com/article/4044123 |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=Hong Kong Economic Times |language=zh}}</ref> A Red Fire Danger Warning was issued by the [[Hong Kong Observatory]] on 24 November due to dry conditions; it remained in effect on the day of the fire.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Tso |first1=Lo-wan |last2=Siu |first2=Bok-hei |date=26 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火 {{!}} 專家料天氣乾燥及大風助長火勢需查圍網是否阻燃物料及警鐘故障 |trans-title=Tai Po Hung Fuk Court Fire Level 5 {{!}} Experts predict dry weather and strong winds will fuel the fire; inspections needed to check if the fire fencing is made of flame-retardant materials and if alarms are malfunctioning |url=https://www.stheadline.com/society/3521542/大埔宏福苑五級火專家料天氣乾燥及大風助長火勢-需查圍網是否阻燃物料及警鐘故障 |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[Sing Tao Daily]] |language=zh-hk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Jett |first1=Jennifer |last2=Guo |first2=Peter |date=26 November 2025 |title=Fire engulfs high-rise housing estate, killing at least 13 in Hong Kong |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/hong-kong-fire-high-rise-housing-estate-wang-fuk-court-tai-po-bamboo-rcna246020 |access-date=26 November 2025 |publisher=[[NBC News]] |language=en |archive-date=26 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251126104147/https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/hong-kong-fire-high-rise-housing-estate-wang-fuk-court-tai-po-bamboo-rcna246020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Fire==

=== Early signs === {{multiple image | total_width = 400 | align = right | width = 200px | image1 = 2025 Tai Po apartment fire footage.webm | caption1 = A witness on the bicycle path remarks in shock four times that there are no fire alarms | image2 = Tai Po fire threads.webm | caption2 = 01s: Fire at 4th floor 16s: Firefighters arrive 28s: Fire at 8th floor 32s: Spread to adjacent block | alt1 = This is initial footage of the fire recorded from the adjacent bike path. It includes a bystander's shocked remarks regarding the lack of fire alarms. ([[Cantonese language|Cantonese]] audio with English subtitles; fire alarms were apparently not active.) | footer = | header = }}

The fire is believed to have started from the [[safety net]]ting covering the lower floors of Wang Cheong House (Block F).<ref>{{Cite web |title=A visual guide to how the Hong Kong fire spread |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-c9792622-43e7-4b04-8374-2771dce4fcd1 |access-date=3 December 2025 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=30 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251130211123/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-c9792622-43e7-4b04-8374-2771dce4fcd1 |url-status=live}}</ref> As early as 14:00 [[Hong Kong Time|HKT]] ([[UTC+08:00]]) on 26 November 2025, signs of a fire at Wang Cheong House (Block F) first appeared when a resident at Wang Shing House (Block G) smelled smoke through her window. Through a gap in the mesh, she spotted a small flame burning in an apartment unit in Block F and attempted to contact the property management office to no avail. She then went down to the ground floor, only to be told by the security guard at the lift lobby that there was a fire. She went back to her apartment unit and [[Shelter-in-place|sheltered in place]] until she was rescued.<ref name="Pettersson-2025">{{Cite news |title=A visual timeline of the few hours it took a small fire to grow into Hong Kong's worst blaze in decades |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/28/asia/visual-timeline-hong-kong-fire-intl-hnk-vis |publisher=CNN |date=28 November 2025 |access-date=29 November 2025 |language=en |first1=Jessie |last1=Yeung |last2=Tsui |first2=Karina |last3=Zulfaqar |first3=Samra |last4=Rebane |first4=Teele |first5=Chris |last5=Lau |last6=de Acosta |first6=Rosa |last7=Robinson |first7=Lou |last8=Warnes |first8=Soph |last9=Senkumba |first9=Duncan |last10=Hancock |first10=Toby |last11=Abercrombie |first11=Michele |last12=Pettersson |first12=Henrik |archive-date=29 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251129000728/https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/28/asia/visual-timeline-hong-kong-fire-intl-hnk-vis |url-status=live}}</ref> By 14:45, there were more eyewitness reports of the bamboo scaffolding along the exterior walls of Wang Cheong House having caught fire.<ref name="Pettersson-2025" /> Seen in the first video posted on [[social media]], a bystander outside repeatedly shouted in dismay that there was no fire alarm.<ref>{{Cite web |title=宏福苑五級大火｜居民工人親述逃生過程還原恐怖時間線火警鐘全程無響 |trans-title=Wang Fuk Court Level-Five Fire｜Residents and Workers Recount Their Escape, Reconstruct the Timeline of the Incident, Fire Alarm Reportedly Never Sounded |url=https://www.orientalsunday.hk/最新娛聞/宏福苑火災-火警鐘-維修工人-1657100/ |website=Oriental Sunday |date=27 November 2025 |language=zh-Hant-HK |access-date=28 November 2025 |archive-date=30 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251130092356/https://www.orientalsunday.hk/最新娛聞/宏福苑火災-火警鐘-維修工人-1657100/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Spread === [[File:A "pillar" formed by the flame on a building during 2025 Tai Po apartment fire.jpg|thumb|Flames along a wall of one of the buildings|left]]The [[Hong Kong Fire Services Department|fire department]] received the first report of a fire at 14:51; firefighters arrived in ten minutes, but the fire had already escalated rapidly.<ref name="Chau">{{Cite web |first1=Jason |last1=Chau |first2=Jie |last2=Yang |first3=Hannah |last3=Miao |date=27 November 2025 |title=The Deadly Mix of Factors That Made a Hong Kong High-Rise Fire So Devastating |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/the-deadly-mix-of-factors-that-made-a-hong-kong-high-rise-fire-so-devastating-8a478821 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |url-access=subscription |access-date=27 November 2025 |archive-date=27 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127152820/https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/the-deadly-mix-of-factors-that-made-a-hong-kong-high-rise-fire-so-devastating-8a478821 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火｜屋苑曾捲3.3億維修風波去年動工原定明年3月拆棚 |url=https://www.hk01.com/突發/60297877/宏福苑五級火-屋苑曾捲3-3億維修風波-去年動工原定明年3月拆棚 |access-date=26 November 2025 |work=[[HK01]]}}</ref> The police received reports from passersby at around 15:00 and subsequently more calls from residents who reported that they were unable to escape.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑宏昌閣外牆棚架起火多名住客報案稱被困 |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1833365-20251126.htm |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[RTHK]] |language=zh-hk}}</ref> Some residents stated that they did not hear the fire alarm sirens even though they had broken the fire alarm glass and pressed the button;<ref>{{cite web |title=大埔宏福苑五級火｜網傳宏建閣CCTV事發片段居民狂敲火警鐘唔響網民：根本謀殺 |url=https://topick.hket.com/article/4047286/大埔宏福苑五級火｜網傳宏建閣CCTV事發片段%E3%80%80居民狂敲火警鐘唔響%E3%80%80網民：根本謀殺 |website=香港經濟日報HKET |access-date=4 December 2025 |language=zh-Hant}}</ref> it was later determined that none of the fire alarms had activated in all of the eight towers.<ref name="Davidson-2025a">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/nov/28/hong-kong-apartment-fire-response-rescue-operations-death-toll |title=Rescue efforts end at Hong Kong tower block fire as death toll reaches 128 |first1=Helen |last1=Davidson |first2=Amy |last2=Hawkins |first3=Oliver |last3=Holmes |first4=Shanshan |last4=Kao |work=The Guardian |date=28 November 2025}}</ref> Other residents were notified of the fire through communication groups and neighbours knocking on doors.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火｜居民未聞火警鐘：由頭到尾無響過街坊自發逐戶拍門提醒鄰居｜Yahoo |url=https://hk.news.yahoo.com/宏福苑五級火｜-居民未聞火警鐘：由頭到尾無響過-街坊自發逐戶拍門提醒鄰居｜yahoo-162745646.html |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=Yahoo News |language=zh-Hant-HK |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128125029/https://hk.news.yahoo.com/宏福苑五級火｜-居民未聞火警鐘：由頭到尾無響過-街坊自發逐戶拍門提醒鄰居｜yahoo-162745646.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/27/hong-kongs-deadliest-fire-in-63-years-what-we-know-and-how-it-spread |title=Hong Kong's deadliest fire in a century: What we know and how it spread |first=Elizabeth |last=Melimopoulos |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=27 November 2025 |archive-date=27 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127040348/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/27/hong-kongs-deadliest-fire-in-63-years-what-we-know-and-how-it-spread |url-status=live}}</ref>

The emergency alert was raised from a 1 [[Multiple-alarm fire|alarm]] to 4 by 15:34, and to the highest level, 5, by 18:22.<ref name="SCMP-2025">{{Cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=Ferocious blaze in Hong Kong leaves at least 44 dead, 279 missing – as it happened |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334217/major-fire-hong-kongs-tai-po-leaves-2-severely-burned-residents-trapped |access-date=26 November 2025 |work=[[South China Morning Post]]}}</ref> The emergency response included 128 [[fire engine]]s, 57 [[ambulance]]s and 767 firefighters.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sham |first=Jadyn Beverley |date=26 November 2025 |title=Seven of the 8 buildings are still on fire |url=https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/hong-kong-tai-po-buildings-fire-11-26-25?post-id=cmig0g99c000w3b6npayfg1zo |access-date=26 November 2025 |publisher=[[CNN]] |archive-date=26 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251126135449/https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/hong-kong-tai-po-buildings-fire-11-26-25?post-id=cmig0g99c000w3b6npayfg1zo |url-status=live}}</ref> The fire began spreading on the scaffolding, moving indoors through the windows and then to all but one of the other buildings.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 November 2025 |title=Fire in Hong Kong high-rise complex kills at least 13 with others trapped inside |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fire-hong-kong-residential-high-rise-dead-trapped/ |publisher=[[CBS News]] |access-date=26 November 2025 |language=en-US |archive-date=26 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251126121125/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fire-hong-kong-residential-high-rise-dead-trapped/ |url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="hk01_60297831" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=【宏福苑五級火】消防處稱情況嚴峻暫時難估計何時可救熄 |url=https://www.inmediahk.net/node/政經/【宏福苑五級火】消防處稱情況嚴峻-暫時難估計何時可救熄 |access-date=26 November 2025 |work=獨立媒體 |language=zh-Hant-HK}}</ref> Many residents remained trapped in their apartment units;<ref name="mingpao-20251127">{{Cite web |title=五級火噬7廈 36死279失聯宏福苑棚網連環燒一消防殉職 – 20251127 – 要聞 |url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/要聞/article/20251127/s00001/1764182770661/五級火噬7廈-36死279失聯-宏福苑棚網連環燒-一消防殉職 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127164546/https://news.mingpao.com/pns/要聞/article/20251127/s00001/1764182770661/五級火噬7廈-36死279失聯-宏福苑棚網連環燒-一消防殉職 |archive-date=27 November 2025 |access-date=28 November 2025 |website=明報新聞網 |language=zh-hant |url-status=live}}</ref> however, the firefighters could not enter the buildings due to intense heat.<ref name="Wertheimer">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxe9r7wjgro |title=What we know about the Hong Kong apartment fires |first1=Tiffany |last1=Wertheimer |first2=Yvette |last2=Tan |first3=Gavin |last3=Butler |work=[[BBC News]] |date=28 November 2025 |access-date=29 November 2025 |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128115654/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxe9r7wjgro |url-status=live}}</ref> Authorities instructed these trapped residents to shelter in place, and to seal window gaps and doors as the firefighters continued to try accessing the buildings to rescue them.<ref name="mingpao-20251127" /> 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 rooftop fire protection system to prevent a further fire spread and to fight the fire on the neighbouring building.<ref name="mingpao-20251127" /> Throughout the night, explosions were heard from various apartment units in the burning buildings.<ref>{{cite news |author1=任青 |date=26 November 2025 |title=（有片）宏福苑五級火｜火勢持續蔓延有單位發生爆炸傳巨響 |url=https://www.tkww.hk/a/202511/26/AP69270838e4b032040a14ebb6.html |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=大公文匯網 |language=zh-Hans-HK}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |author=凌逸德 |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火 {{!}} 大埔王肇枝中學後山山火多人報案 |url=https://www.hk01.com/突發/60298002/大埔宏福苑大火災-大埔王肇枝中學後山山火-多人報案-消防撲熄 |access-date=26 November 2025 |website=[[HK01]] |language=zh-HK}}</ref>

=== Under control === [[File:Wang Fuk Court Fire 20251127 1225.jpg|thumb|Firefighting efforts in the afternoon of 27 November. Seven ladders were deployed to douse the exteriors of the buildings.|alt=A crowd of people gathered around several firetrucks spraying water at the towers of Wang Fuk Court. Smoke is rising from the apartment complex]] At 01:50 on 27 November, the fire was being brought under control, with open flames on three buildings extinguished and embers remaining in some areas.<ref name="hk01_60297831" /> At 05:45, firefighting operations were carried out between the fifth and eighteenth floors, while rescue operations were being extended upwards to between the thirteenth and twenty-third floors.<ref name="hk01_60297831" /> Later that day, the city's fire department said that the combination of high temperatures{{snd}}even after the fire had been put out{{snd}}, the risk of further scaffolding collapse, and the limited room in the small apartments had made rescue operations difficult.<ref name="Wertheimer"/> The fire in the fourth building was brought under control at 06:23, and search and rescue efforts began at the lower floors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Melimopoulos |first=Elizabeth |title=Hong Kong's deadliest fire in 63 years: What we know and how it spread |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/27/hong-kongs-deadliest-fire-in-63-years-what-we-know-and-how-it-spread#live-8082809 |access-date=27 November 2025 |publisher=[[Al Jazeera]] |language=en |archive-date=27 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127040348/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/27/hong-kongs-deadliest-fire-in-63-years-what-we-know-and-how-it-spread#live-8082809 |url-status=live}}</ref> By 09:00, three of the seven buildings were still on fire.<ref name="Stairs" /> 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 under control, there were no more calls for help. Operations by then involved re-ignition prevention measures, which included reducing the temperatures outside the buildings that were still on fire and the deployment of four drones to patrol the area.<ref name="am730_20251127">{{cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火｜增至83人死亡76人傷政府將安排悼念活動 (持續更新) |url=https://www.am730.com.hk/本地/大埔宏福苑五級火-死亡人數增至44人-71人傷其中17人危殆-持續更新-/622532 |website=AM730}}</ref>

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.<ref name="hk01_60297831" /> 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 forcibly accessed to ensure that no one was trapped in the complex.<ref name="hk01_60297831" /> A fire reignited from within an apartment unit at 05:45 and was put out at 07:30.<ref name="hk01_60297831">{{Cite web |last=凌逸德 |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑大火災持續更新｜128死79傷 7印傭1菲傭罹難 |url=https://www.hk01.com/突發/60297831/宏福苑火最新-死亡人數增至168人-將加快調查起火原因 |access-date=30 November 2025 |website=香港01 |language=zh-HK |archive-date=30 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251130033113/https://www.hk01.com/突發/60297831/宏福苑火最新-死亡人數增至168人-將加快調查起火原因 |url-status=live}}</ref>

At 10:18, the fire department announced that the fire was mostly put out after 43 hours of firefighting operations.<ref name="hk01_60297831" /> Up to 2,311 firefighters were involved throughout the effort, with peak temperatures at the site estimated at {{cvt|500|C}}.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c79xd17dre3o |title=Hong Kong tower blocks fire death toll rises to 128 |first1=Hafsa |last1=Khalil |date=28 November 2025 |publisher=BBC |access-date=28 November 2025 |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128163349/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c79xd17dre3o |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Victims== [[File:Wang Fuk Court - No.5 Alarm.jpg|thumb|Emergency vehicles at [[Tai Po Road]], with fire raging in Wang Fuk Court and blocks nearest to [[Kwong Fuk Estate]] evacuated]] The Wang Fuk Court fire was the first [[five-alarm fire]] in Hong Kong since the 2008 [[Cornwall Court fire]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/27/over-750-firefighters-deployed-to-deadly-tai-po-estate-fire-at-least-13-dead-as-chinas-xi-sends-condolences/ |title=Over 750 firefighters deployed to deadly Tai Po estate fire; at least 13 dead as China's Xi sends condolences |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |date=27 November 2025 |access-date=30 November 2025}}</ref> and the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since the 1948 [[Wing On warehouse fire]] in [[Shek Tong Tsui]] in which 176 people died.<ref name="CNBC-2025a" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Bao |first=Anniek |date=27 November 2025 |title=Chinese giants rush to pledge millions after Hong Kong's deadliest fire since 1948 kills 55 |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/27/chinese-firms-rush-to-pledge-millions-in-fire-rescue-as-hong-kong-fire-death-toll-climbs-to-55.html |access-date=27 November 2025 |publisher=[[CNBC]] |archive-date=27 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127082225/https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/27/chinese-firms-rush-to-pledge-millions-in-fire-rescue-as-hong-kong-fire-death-toll-climbs-to-55.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Alexandra |last=Stevenson |title=Deadly Hong Kong Fire Is a Test of Beijing's Rule in the City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/world/asia/hong-kong-fire-beijing-john-lee.html |work=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=29 November 2025 |url-access=registration |archive-date=27 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251227084100/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/29/world/asia/hong-kong-fire-beijing-john-lee.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Around 56 people were rescued from the fire.<ref name="hk01_60297831" /> 168 people were confirmed to have been killed<ref name="RTHK-168-zh" /><ref name="RTHK-168-en" /> while 79 others were injured.<ref name="Lee">{{cite web |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/12/03/breaking-tai-po-fire-death-toll-rises-to-159-victims-aged-1-to-97/ |title=Tai Po fire death toll rises to 159; victims aged 1 to 97 |first=James |last=Lee |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |date=3 December 2025 |access-date=3 December 2025}}</ref> The 160th and 161st death were confirmed in mid and late December after discovering traces of their DNA in other bodies; they were an overseas helper and one of the couple.<ref name="Witness">{{Cite web |date=9 December 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火死亡人數增至160人警方：有遺體憑DNA確認為長者及其家傭 - 法庭線 The Witness |url=https://thewitnesshk.com/宏福苑五級火-死亡人數增至160人-警方指有遺體憑dna確/ |access-date=24 December 2025 |language=en-US |archive-date=20 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251220154702/https://thewitnesshk.com/宏福苑五級火-死亡人數增至160人-警方指有遺體憑dna確/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DNA">{{Cite web |last=凌逸德 |date=20 December 2025 |title=宏福苑大火｜1遺骸發現夫婦DNA 增至161死 6失聯個案已確認身份 |url=https://www.hk01.com/突發/60305379/宏福苑大火-1遺骸發現夫婦dna-增至161死-6失聯個案已確認身份 |access-date=24 December 2025 |website=香港01 |language=zh-HK |archive-date=27 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251227010405/https://www.hk01.com/突發/60305379/宏福苑大火-1遺骸發現夫婦dna-增至161死-6失聯個案已確認身份 |url-status=live}}</ref> Over 40 were in critical condition initially;<ref name="guardian_20251126">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/nov/26/hong-kong-fire-tai-po-towers |title=Death toll in Hong Kong tower block fire rises to 44 with hundreds still missing |first=Helen |last=Davidson |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=26 November 2025 |access-date=3 December 2025}}</ref> by 5 December, none remained in critical condition,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318627/All-79-Tai-Po-fire-patients-out-of-critical-condition-says-HA |title=All 79 Tai Po fire patients out of critical condition, says HA |work=[[The Standard (Hong Kong)|The Standard]] |date=5 December 2025 |access-date=7 December 2025 |archive-date=7 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207174601/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318627/All-79-Tai-Po-fire-patients-out-of-critical-condition-says-HA |url-status=live}}</ref> and by 13 February 2026, only one victim remained in hospital.<ref name="Leung">{{cite web |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2026/02/13/rehousing-plan-for-tai-po-fire-victims-coming-in-near-term-says-leader-john-lee-as-another-patient-discharged/ |title=Rehousing plan for Tai Po fire victims coming in 'near term,' says leader John Lee as another patient discharged |first=Hillary |last=Leung |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |date=13 February 2026 |access-date=15 February 2026}}</ref> Of the fatalities, 147 were declared dead on scene while four others died in hospital.<ref name="hk01_60297831" /><ref>{{cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=As it happened: Rescuers pull survivor from Hong Kong blaze as death toll rises to 65 |url=https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/hong-kong-tai-po-apartment-fire-11-27-25-intl-hnk |publisher=[[CNN]] |access-date=15 February 2026 |archive-date=5 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260205140616/https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/hong-kong-tai-po-apartment-fire-11-27-25-intl-hnk |url-status=live}}</ref> The victims' ages ranged from 6 months to 98 years old.<ref name="Lee" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 January 2026 |title=Hong Kong fire: Final death toll stands at 168 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2w9wqek3jo |access-date=18 January 2026 |website=BBC News |language=en-gb}}</ref> Bodies were found inside apartments as well as in public areas, including stairwells and corridors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lo |first=Hoi-ying |date=1 December 2025 |title=Substandard netting used on Hong Kong blaze buildings; death toll at 151 |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334764/substandard-netting-found-have-been-used-hong-kong-blaze-buildings |access-date=1 December 2025 |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |archive-date=1 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201093920/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334764/substandard-netting-found-have-been-used-hong-kong-blaze-buildings |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{anchor|Ho Wai-ho}}Twelve firefighters were injured responding to the incident, and one was killed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318221/All-12-firefighters-injured-in-Wang-Fuk-Court-fire-discharged-from-hospital |title=All 12 firefighters injured in Wang Fuk Court fire discharged from hospital |first=Marco |last=Lam |work=[[The Standard (Hong Kong)|The Standard]] |date=1 December 2025 |access-date=6 December 2025 |archive-date=5 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205171435/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318221/All-12-firefighters-injured-in-Wang-Fuk-Court-fire-discharged-from-hospital |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=28 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火｜死亡人數增加至128人 |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1833749-20251128.htm |access-date=28 November 2025 |work=[[RTHK]] |language=zh-hk |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128123736/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1833749-20251128.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> The casualty was identified as 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, a 9-year veteran of the [[Hong Kong Fire Services Department]] (FSD)<ref name="BBC News 中文-2025">{{Cite web |date=26 November 2025 |title=大埔火警未撲熄, 至今13死15傷消防員殉職, 香港主權移交後第二宗五級大火 |url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/articles/c36ze1n44e1o/trad |access-date=26 November 2025 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=zh-hant |archive-date=1 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201050953/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/articles/c36ze1n44e1o/trad |url-status=live}}</ref> based in [[Sha Tin]] Fire Station.<ref name="Wertheimer" /> He arrived at the scene shortly after the fire began and lost contact with his colleagues around 30 minutes later; his body was discovered with burn injuries to his face.<ref name="Stairs">{{Cite news |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334292/44-dead-279-missing-hong-kong-fire-3-arrested-investigation-launched |title=Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 83 as survivor found on stairs of building - as it happened |date=27 November 2025 |website=[[South China Morning Post]] |access-date=8 December 2025}}</ref> The special independent committee determined that the most likely scenario for his death was a fall from the 31st floor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tse |first=Hans |date=2026-03-19 |title=Deadly HK fire ‘most likely’ caused by smoking, public inquiry hears |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2026/03/19/deadly-wang-fuk-court-fire-most-likely-caused-by-smoking-public-inquiry-hears/ |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}</ref>

There were 235 overseas workers from the [[Overseas Filipino Worker|Philippines]] and [[Indonesians in Hong Kong|Indonesia]] assigned to services for residents in Wang Fuk Court. At least one Filipino and nine Indonesians were killed; three were injured.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 December 2025 |title=Families of domestic helpers killed in Hong Kong blaze to get nearly HK$800,000 |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/article/3334914/families-domestic-helpers-killed-hong-kong-blaze-get-nearly-hk800000 |access-date=4 December 2025 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=2 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251202095254/https://www.scmp.com/news/article/3334914/families-domestic-helpers-killed-hong-kong-blaze-get-nearly-hk800000 |url-status=live}}</ref> Five construction workers were also killed, after they failed to put out the fire and were forced to retreat indoors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Final videos show last moments of 5 workers killed in Tai Po fire |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318472/Final-videos-show-last-moments-of-5-workers-killed-in-Tai-Po-fire |access-date=4 December 2025 |website=The Standard |language=en |archive-date=10 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251210070556/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318472/Final-videos-show-last-moments-of-5-workers-killed-in-Tai-Po-fire |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{mapframe|frame=yes|frame-lat=22.4470|frame-long=114.1758|frame-width=260|frame-height=260|zoom=17|text='''Interactive Map''' '''Red:''' Wang Cheung House (Block F), ignition point. '''Orange:''' Wang Tao House, Wang Sun House, Wang Tai House, and Wang Shing House (Blocks B, C, E, and G respectively), affected buildings where fatalities were located. '''Yellow:''' Wang Yan House (Block A) and Wang Kin House (Block D), affected buildings without fatalities. '''Grey:''' Wang Chi House (Block H), sole building unaffected by fire. |type1=point|coord1={{coord|22.447341410610136|N|114.1749362793995|E}}|title1=Wang Yan House (Block A)|description1=|marker-color1=#FFFF00|marker1=-letter |type2=point|coord2={{coord|22.44699771441084|N|114.17498501947676|E}}|title2=Wang Tao House (Block B)|description2=2 deaths|marker-color2=#FFA500|marker2=-letter |type3=point|coord3={{coord|22.446767623303614|N|114.1752505932127|E}}|title3=Wang Sun House (Block C)|description3=3 deaths|marker-color3=#FFA500|marker3=-letter |type4=point|coord4={{coord|22.44675716728544|N|114.1756065269376|E}}|title4=Wang Kin House (Block D)|description4=|marker-color4=#FFFF00|marker4=-letter |type5=point|coord5={{coord|22.446542436663677|N|114.17586361431984|E}}|title5=Wang Tai House (Block E)|description5=Second block ablaze, 82 deaths|marker-color5=#FFA500|marker5=-letter |type6=point|coord6={{coord|22.44657780999367|N|114.17627225147152|E}}|title6=Wang Cheong House (Block F)|description6=Point of origin, 70 deaths|marker-color6=#FF0000|marker6=-letter |type7=point|coord7={{coord|22.446923018841815|N|114.17624156244386|E}}|title7=Wang Shing House (Block G)|description7=1 death|marker-color7=#FFA500|marker7=-letter |type8=point|coord8={{coord|22.447287366413406|N|114.17622334889052|E}}|title8=Wang Chi House (Block H)|description8=Unaffected by fire|marker-color8=#C9D0D2|marker8=-letter }}

{| class="wikitable" |+Location of fatalities found<ref name="hk01_60332076">{{Cite web |last1=任葆穎 |last2=陳萃屏 |last3=容嘉儀 |date=19 February 2026 |title=宏福苑聽證會｜一文看清七廈死傷情況 37戶失兩個以上成員 |url=https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/60332076/宏福苑聽證會-一文看清七廈死傷情況-37戶失兩個以上成員 |website=香港01 |language=zh-HK |access-date=2026-03-19}}</ref><ref name=pulsehk_wanfukhearingdayone>{{cite news|url=https://pulsehknews.com/wanfukhearingdayone/|title=宏福苑火災聽證會｜委員會指起火前屋苑消防設施「人為地」徹底失效疑煙蒂燒着非阻燃隔網肇禍|language=zh-HK|work=Pulse HK|access-date=2026-03-24|date=2026-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260319220513/https://pulsehknews.com/wanfukhearingdayone/|archive-date=2026-03-19|url-status=live}}</ref> !colspan="3" |Block !Deaths !Remarks |- | style="text-align: center" | A |{{lang|yue|宏仁閣}} |Wang Yan House |0 | |- | style="text-align: center" | B |{{lang|yue|宏道閣}} |Wang Tao House |2 | |- | style="text-align: center" | C |{{lang|yue|宏新閣}} |Wang Sun House |2 | |- | style="text-align: center" | D |{{lang|yue|宏建閣}} |Wang Kin House |0 | |- | style="text-align: center" | E |{{lang|yue|宏泰閣}} |Wang Tai House |82 |Second block ablaze |- | style="text-align: center" | F |{{lang|yue|宏昌閣}} |Wang Cheong House |81 |[[Fire investigation#Conducting_investigations|Point of origin]] |- | style="text-align: center" | G |{{lang|yue|宏盛��}} |Wang Shing House |1 | |- | style="text-align: center" | H |{{lang|yue|宏志閣}} |Wang Chi House |0 |Building unaffected by fire |- |}

=== Missing people and identification of bodies === Chief Executive of Hong Kong [[John Lee Ka-chiu|John Lee]] reported on 26 November that at least 279 people were missing.<ref name="Wertheimer" /> Two days later the police said they received 467 missing persons reports, some of them duplicates. Of those missing, 39 were found dead and 35 required hospitalisation. A further 110 people were confirmed to be safe, and the condition of about 200 people remained unknown, including 89 whose bodies could not be identified.<ref name="hk01_60297831" />

After the rescue operations ended on 28 November,<ref name="Davidson-2025a" /> the {{ill|Disaster Victims Identification Unit|lt=Disaster Victims Identification Unit|zh|災難遇害者辨認組}} deployed 600 members to the scene to search for, recover, and identify any bodies within the burned buildings. Among the missing and unidentified bodies found, the 37 dead were previously reported missing, and 54 dead remained unidentified. There were still 150 missing persons.<ref name="hk01_60297831" /> On 1 December, it was reported that over 30 people remain unaccounted for,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/12/01/breaking-tai-po-estate-fire-death-toll-climbs-to-151-as-search-operations-begin-in-final-2-blocks/ |title='A scene of complete devastation': Tai Po estate fire death toll climbs to 151, as searches begin at final 2 blocks |first=Hillary |last=Leung |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |date=1 December 2025 |access-date=1 December 2025}}</ref> with 100 missing person cases classified as "untraceable" due to insufficient information. However, 159 people were confirmed to be safe, with 54 bodies still requiring identification.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://tyr-jour.hkbu.edu.hk/2025/11/30/tai-po-fire-death-toll-rises-to-146-as-search-for-missing-continues/ |title=Tai Po fire death toll rises to 146 as search for missing continues |date=29 November 2025 |access-date=1 December 2025 |website=The Young Reporter (Hong Kong Baptist University) |last=Ho |first=Wing Chi |editor-last=Siu |editor-first=Tsz Hang |archive-date=11 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211033039/https://tyr-jour.hkbu.edu.hk/2025/11/30/tai-po-fire-death-toll-rises-to-146-as-search-for-missing-continues/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/30/world/asia/hongkong-fire-domestic-workers.html |title=Hong Kong's Migrant Domestic Workers Mourn Their Losses in Deadly Fire |first1=Anjali |last1=Tsui |first2=Francesca |last2=Regalado |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=30 November 2025 |access-date=1 December 2025}}</ref> Some bodies were burnt to ashes, hence some missing persons may not be identified.<ref name="Jim-2025">{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/police-comb-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-apartments-death-toll-146-2025-12-01/ |title=Hong Kong arrests more suspects in fire probe as death toll hits 151 |last1=Jim |first1=Claire |date=2 December 2025 |work=[[Reuters]] |last2=Pang |first2=Jessie}}</ref> The search for bodies inside the seven affected buildings concluded on 3 December.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 December 2025 |title=1-year-old among 159 killed in Hong Kong apartment fires |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/1-year-159-killed-hong-kong-apartment-fires-128067865 |access-date=4 December 2025 |work=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |archive-date=3 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251203185339/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/1-year-159-killed-hong-kong-apartment-fires-128067865 |url-status=live}}</ref> As of 3 December 19 bodies still required identification, and 31 persons remained unaccounted for.<ref name="hk01_60300234">{{Cite web |last=凌逸德 |date=3 December 2025 |title=宏福苑大火災｜159人死最細1歲各廈死亡人數一文看清 |url=https://www.hk01.com/突發/60300234/宏福苑大火災-159人死最細1歲-各廈死亡人數一文看清 |access-date=4 December 2025 |website=香港01 |language=zh-HK |archive-date=15 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251215044118/https://www.hk01.com/突發/60300234/宏福苑大火災-159人死最細1歲-各廈死亡人數一文看清 |url-status=live}}</ref> All missing reports were resolved by 20 December, including 14 that were killed in the fire, 5 died before the blaze, and 12 confirmed safe.<ref name="Witness" /><ref name="DNA" />

=== Animals === According to the [[Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Hong Kong)|Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]] (SPCA), over 500 animals were trapped in the buildings during the fire.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://hk.news.yahoo.com/大埔宏福苑災場搜救動物行動已結束-愛協冀在大廈內設籠及糧水-不放棄仍徘徊求生動物-152439724.html |title=大埔宏福苑災場搜救動物行動已結束愛協冀在大廈內設籠及糧水：不放棄仍徘徊求生動物 |date=7 December 2025 |publisher=[[Yahoo! News]] |access-date=11 December 2025 |language=zh |archive-date=9 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251209095350/https://hk.news.yahoo.com/大埔宏福苑災場搜救動物行動已結束-愛協冀在大廈內設籠及糧水-不放棄仍徘徊求生動物-152439724.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The organisation said that they would stay on site to [[triage]], provide treatment, and work to rescue (or recover) any animals remaining.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tse |first=Hans |date=28 November 2025 |title=Of 243 animals trapped in Tai Po fire, 92 recovered, NGO says |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/28/of-243-animals-trapped-in-tai-po-fire-92-recovered-ngo-says/ |access-date=28 November 2025 |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]]}}</ref> As of 3 December 2025, 294 animals were rescued from the site, including fish, cats, dogs, and turtles, among other species, while 70 were killed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tai Po fire killed at least 63 pets: SPCA |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1834216-20251202.htm |date=2 December 2025 |access-date=4 December 2025 |work=[[RTHK]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://hongkongfp.com/support-hong-kong-free-press/ |title=Tai Po fire: Almost 400 pets rescued from Wang Fuk Court |first=Hans |last=Tse |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |date=5 December 2025 |access-date=6 December 2025}}</ref> Police officers deployed to search for remains found and rescued three cats and a turtle.<ref>{{Cite web |first1=Jessie |last1=Pang |first2=Greg |last2=Torode |title=Hong Kong mourns 128 victims and counting in fire; 14 arrested |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/11/29/hong-kong-wang-fuk-court-fire-death-toll/87523977007/ |access-date=4 December 2025 |work=[[USA Today]] |via=Reuters |archive-date=30 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251130213603/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/11/29/hong-kong-wang-fuk-court-fire-death-toll/87523977007/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Recovery and relief == ===Initial public response=== [[File:Wang Fuk Court Fire MTR Station Material Collection Centre.jpg|thumb|Donation centre set up outside [[Tai Po Market station]]]] [[File:Wang Fuk Court Fire Full Volunteer 20251128 2.jpg|thumb|Volunteer at a collection centre holding up a sign stating that it has sufficient donated resources]]

Soon after the fire, several online communities in Tai Po mobilised to assist the affected residents and ask for the public to donate aids. Over 1,000 residents were evacuated to the nearby Kwong Fuk Shopping Centre.<ref name="bbc_c2emg1kj1klt" /> Shops, restaurants, and churches in the district opened as temporary rest areas, providing free food and assisting in the collection and distribution of donated materials.<ref>{{Cite web |last=李納德 |date=26 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火｜大埔谷街坊展鄰里互助精神秒速分享各類支援 |url=https://www.hk01.com/hot/60297918 |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[HK01]] |language=zh-HK}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=大埔宏福苑｜港人商戶自發協助火災受影響人士免費借尿袋/備用手機/飯盒 |url=https://www.tvb.com/1010316 |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[TVB]] |language=zh-HK}}</ref><ref name="initium-2025a">{{Cite web |last=鄭淑華、李慧筠、符雨欣、彭嘉林 |date=26 November 2025 |title=四問香港世紀大火：大埔宏福苑五級火至少44死，為何大火？如何救火？ |url=https://theinitium.com/20251127-hk-fire-level-5-qa/ |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[Initium Media]] |language=zh-Hant |archive-date=30 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251130102514/https://theinitium.com/20251127-hk-fire-level-5-qa/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Residents were later evacuated into temporary shelters set up in nearby community halls, centres, and schools.<ref name="SCMP-2025" /> Many volunteered to help sort and distribute food and daily necessities and drove overnight to deliver supplies to various locations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=有宏福苑居民仍未能聯絡親人多名巿民自發協助整理物資 |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1833532-20251127.htm |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[RTHK]] |language=zh-hk}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=蕭通 |date=27 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火｜民眾人鏈傳物資網民：真香港人幾時都係咁有愛 |url=https://www.hk01.com/article/60298051 |access-date=27 November 2025 |location=Hong Kong |language=zh-hk |agency=[[HK01]]}}</ref> A website was set up to allow residents to report their safety and to post information on missing persons.<ref name="initium-2025a" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=香港奪命大火後港人自設尋人報平安網站各區自發收集物資自救兼互助 |url=https://rfi.my/CDev |access-date=27 November 2025 |publisher=[[Radio France Internationale]] |language=zh-Hant}}</ref>

Several businesses provided assistance. The nearby [[Tai Po Mega Mall]] opened its shopping area overnight, providing drinking water, dry food, and free charging services.<ref>{{cite web |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑大火｜人間有愛大埔超級城通宵開放提供食水乾糧 24/7Fitness開放供沖涼 |url=https://ps.hket.com/article/4044363 |access-date=26 November 2025 |work=[[Hong Kong Economic Times]]}}</ref> [[MTR Corporation]] opened the [[Tai Po Market station]] concourse for the victims to replace their damaged [[Octopus card]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |author=潘耀昇 |date=27 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火｜港鐵大埔墟站支援站特快一日補領樂悠咭、八達通 |url=https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/60298340/宏福苑五級火-港鐵大埔墟站支援站-特快一日補領樂悠咭-八達通 |access-date=30 November 2025 |website=[[HK01]] |language=zh |archive-date=12 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251212150003/https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/60298340/宏福苑五級火-港鐵大埔墟站支援站-特快一日補領樂悠咭-八達通 |url-status=live}}</ref> Major telecommunications companies, including [[3 (company)|3HK]] and [[CSL Mobile]], provided free mobile data, external chargers, and extended store hours.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑火災紅十字會設援助站電信商門市服務延至晚11時 |url=https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20251126/bkn-20251126203415750-1126_00822_001.html |access-date=26 November 2025 |work=[[Oriental Daily News]] |language=zh-hk}}</ref> ChargeSpot, a rental portable charger company, offered 160 hours of free charger rentals in the Tai Po area.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=CHARGESPOT｜緊急支援大埔火災居民免費提供160小時充電器借用 |url=https://jetsostation.com/chargespot-support-taipo-202511/ |access-date=27 November 2025 |language=zh-HK}}</ref> [[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.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=Tai Po McDonald's offer free food for fire victims |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/317909/Tai-Po-McDonalds-offer-free-food-for-fire-victims |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[The Standard (Hong Kong)|The Standard]]}}</ref>

The [[Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel]], {{ill|Royal Pacific Hotel (Hong Kong)|lt=Royal Pacific Hotel|zh|皇家太平洋酒店}}, and {{ill|Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel|zh|香港富麗敦海洋公園酒店}} provided a total of 160 rooms for affected residents to stay free of charge.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=李嘉誠基金會、李兆基基金各撥款3000萬信和捐2000萬賑災旗下三間酒店為災民提供客房免費住宿 |url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20251127/s00001/1764220845281/大埔宏福苑五級火-李嘉誠基金會-李兆基基金各撥款3000萬-信和捐2000萬賑災-旗下三間酒店為災民提供客房免費住宿 |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[Ming Pao]] |location=Hong Kong |language=zh-hk}}</ref> [[Regal Hotels International]] made 160 rooms at twelve of the group's hotels freely available to victims for two weeks, with free meals included.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3334425/regal-joins-hong-kong-developers-hoteliers-offer-free-lodging-tai-po-fires-victims |title=Hong Kong developers, hoteliers offer free lodging to Tai Po fire victims |first=Cheryl |last=Arcibal |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |date=28 November 2025 |access-date=28 November 2025}}</ref> The president of [[Dorsett Hospitality International]] took charge of the logistics for [[Runway 1331]], a [[youth hostel]] at the defunct [[Kai Tak Airport]], to accommodate up to 2,000 residents. She previously had experience accommodating residents displaced by the 2017 [[Grenfell Tower fire]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 November 2025 |title=Hotelier races to shelter Hong Kong fire victims using Grenfell experience |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334608/hotelier-races-shelter-hong-kong-fire-victims-using-grenfell-disaster-lessons |access-date=3 December 2025 |first=Ka-sing |last=Lam |work=[[South China Morning Post]]}}</ref>

Many Hong Kong artists personally delivered and distributed supplies.<ref>{{cite news |author1=金秀玲 |date=27 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火｜陳瑞輝親送物資安慰受災粉絲：有咩唔夠就講 |url=https://www.hk01.com/article/60298042 |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[HK01]] |location=Hong Kong |language=zh-hk}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=胡凱欣 |date=27 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火｜193為火災盡力運物資江若琳為災民提供食物 |url=https://www.hk01.com/article/60298029 |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[HK01]] |location=香港 |language=zh-hk}}</ref> In addition, several animal welfare organisations also provided temporary care services and support for affected pets.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火一文睇社區資源臨時庇護中心臨時住宿及免費借尿袋資訊 |url=https://www.stheadline.com/society/3521604/ |access-date=26 November 2025 |work=[[Sing Tao Daily]] |location=Hong Kong |language=zh-hk}}</ref> [[File:People provide supply for the victims 20251126.png|thumb|Donated items for the residents delivered by the public to a nearby school]]

===Government=== Chief Executive [[John Lee Ka-chiu|John Lee]] activated the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre, and chaired an emergency interdepartmental meeting.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=CE holds interdepartmental urgent meeting to assist residents affected by fire in Tai Po |url=https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202511/26/P2025112600737.htm |access-date=26 November 2025 |language=en |agency=Hong Kong Government Press Releases |archive-date=27 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127023834/https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202511/26/P2025112600737.htm |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author1=任葆穎 |title=宏福苑五級火李家超稱極度關注啟動緊急事故監察及支援中心 |url=https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/60297960/宏福苑五級火-李家超稱極度關注-啟動緊急事故監察及支援中心 |access-date=26 November 2025 |website=[[HK01]] |location=香港 |language=zh-hk |issue=2025–11–26 |archive-date=29 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251129015002/https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/60297960/宏福苑五級火-李家超稱極度關注-啟動緊急事故監察及支援中心 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火 {{!}} 李家超: 即時啟動緊急事故監察及支援中心指示全力滅火救援 |url=https://news.tvb.com/tc/local/6926e620e43529412929b335/港澳-宏福苑五級火｜李家超即時啟動緊急事故監察及支援中心-指示全力滅火救援 |access-date=26 November 2025 |location=香港 |language=zh-hk |agency=[[TVB News]] |archive-date=2 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251202021143/https://news.tvb.com/tc/local/6926e620e43529412929b335/港澳-宏福苑五級火｜李家超即時啟動緊急事故監察及支援中心-指示全力滅火救援 |url-status=live}}</ref> The authorities convened three working groups with each focusing on investigations and regulations, emergency support and fundraising, and emergency accommodations arrangements.<ref name="Hong Kong Economic Times-2025">{{Cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火｜港府成立三個工作組調查善後投3億成立宏福苑援助基金 |url=https://news.hket.com/article/4045080/大埔宏福苑五級火｜港府成立三個工作組調查善後%E3%80%80投3億成立宏福苑援助基金 |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[Hong Kong Economic Times]] |archive-date=30 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251130072604/https://news.hket.com/article/4045080/大埔宏福苑五級火｜港府成立三個工作組調查善後%E3%80%80投3億成立宏福苑援助基金 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hong Kong Inmedia-2025">{{Cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=【宏福苑五級火】李家超：已物色單位予災民留宿、即晚派發一萬元應急 |url=https://www.inmediahk.net/node/政經/【宏福苑五級火】李家超：已物色單位予災民留宿、即晚派發一萬元應急 |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[Hong Kong Inmedia]]}}</ref>

The Tai Po [[District Officer (Hong Kong)|District Office]] arranged for the affected residents to be evacuated into temporary shelters nearby, including community hall and school premises<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火 {{!}} 政府開放社區會堂作臨時庇護中心供受影響居民入住 |url=https://news.tvb.com/tc/local/6926d716e435294129291be8/港澳-宏福苑五級火 |access-date=26 November 2025 |work=[[TVB News]] |archive-date=16 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260116042802/https://news.tvb.com/tc/local/6926d716e435294129291be8/港澳-宏福苑五級火 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火 {{!}} 庇護中心增至5個包括大埔社區中心(附地址) |url=https://www.hk01.com/突發/60297912/宏福苑五級火-庇護中心增至5個-包括大埔社區中心-附地址 |access-date=26 November 2025 |work=[[HK01]]}}</ref><ref name="SCMP-2025" /> The government also set up a help desk at the [[Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital]] to assist affected residents with their questions, and to handle public inquiries.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c2emg1kj1klt?page=8 |title=Hong Kong fire death toll rises to 128 as officials say fire alarms not working properly |work=[[BBC News]] |date=28 November 2025 |access-date=11 December 2025 |archive-date=9 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251209143835/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c2emg1kj1klt?page=8 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Hong Kong Police Force|police]] 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.<ref name="yahoo1" /> It also established a temporary [[no-fly zone]] above the blaze to prohibit drones from interfering with rescue efforts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Drone ban imposed over Tai Po blaze site for public safety |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/317896/Drone-ban-imposed-over-Tai-Po-blaze-site-for-public-safety |website=[[The Standard (Hong Kong)|The Standard]] |access-date=1 December 2025 |language=en |date=27 November 2025 |archive-date=6 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251206185939/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/317896/Drone-ban-imposed-over-Tai-Po-blaze-site-for-public-safety |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Hong Kong Housing Authority|Housing Authority]] announced that it had coordinated 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 available.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火何永賢:跨部門全力安置受影響居民 |url=https://m.hkej.com/landing/mobarticle2/id/4257547/大埔宏福苑五級火丨何永賢%3A跨部門全力安置受影響居民 |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[Hong Kong Economic Journal]] |language=zh-hk}}</ref> Meanwhile, 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 would be mainly provided by the government, alongside transitional housing arrangements, and the [[Hong Kong Housing Society|Housing Society]]'s dedicated resettlement housing arrangement, with a total of 1,800 units available initially.<ref name="Hong Kong Economic Times-2025" /><ref name="Hong Kong Inmedia-2025" /> Those who lost their homes to the fire were subsequently 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.<ref name="SCMP-2025b">{{Cite web |title=Hong Kong begins 3 days of mourning for fire victims; death toll at 128 |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334435/hong-kong-fire-death-toll-rises-94-rescue-work-continues-day-3 |website=South China Morning Post |date=28 November 2025 |access-date=29 November 2025 |language=en |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128055329/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334435/hong-kong-fire-death-toll-rises-94-rescue-work-continues-day-3 |url-status=live}}</ref> Secretary for Housing [[Winnie Ho]] said on 30 November that about 1,500 residents had been relocated to hotels, hostels, and transitional housing, and 40 residents stayed in temporary shelters in Tai Po.<ref name="SCMP-2025c" />

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,<ref>{{Cite web |author=石國威 |date=27 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火. 大埔停課名單 {{!}} 至少13學校周四停課(附詳細名單) |url=https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/60297996/宏福苑五級火-大埔停課名單-至少13學校周四停課-附詳細名單 |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[HK01]] |language=zh-HK |archive-date=1 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201084702/https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/60297996/宏福苑五級火-大埔停課名單-至少13學校周四停課-附詳細名單 |url-status=live}}</ref> five of which continued to suspend classes on 28 November.<ref>{{cite web |title=EDB continues to provide support in wake of No. 5 alarm fire in Tai Po |url=https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202511/27/P2025112700778.htm |access-date=28 November 2025 |publisher=Hong Kong Government Press Releases |date=27 November 2025 |location=Hong Kong |language=en |archive-date=30 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251130024643/https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202511/27/P2025112700778.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Other schools issued notices allowing flexibility of their students' attendance if they were affected by the fire.<ref name="Ming Pao-2025">{{Cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火 {{!}} 多間中小學今停課教育大學改上網上教學 (01:00) |url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20251127/s00001/1764176437111/大埔宏福苑五級火-多間中小學今停課-教育大學改上網上教學 |work=[[Ming Pao]] |archive-date=27 November 2025 |access-date=27 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127032913/https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20251127/s00001/1764176437111/大埔宏福苑五級火-多間中小學今停課-教育大學改上網上教學 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Education University of Hong Kong]] switched to virtual classes to ease traffic congestion in the area.<ref name="Ming Pao-2025" />

The government established a support fund on 27 November to provide financial assistance to the victims, with each affected family receiving {{HKDConvert|10000}} in emergency relief funds.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1833619-20251127.htm |title=HK$300m fund to help Tai Po fire victims |work=[[RTHK]] |date=27 November 2025 |access-date=1 December 2025}}</ref> The public were able to contribute directly to this fund.<ref name="SCMP-2025a">{{Cite web |title=Want to donate in cash or kind? How to help Hong Kong's embattled fire victims |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334424/want-donate-cash-or-kind-how-help-hong-kongs-embattled-fire-victims |website=South China Morning Post |date=28 November 2025 |access-date=28 November 2025 |language=en |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128003449/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334424/want-donate-cash-or-kind-how-help-hong-kongs-embattled-fire-victims |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SCMP-2025c">{{Cite web |title=Nationwide plan to cut fire risk in high-rises, as Hong Kong mourns 128 dead |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334598/hongkongers-mourn-fire-victims-citywide-condolence-points-toll-128 |website=South China Morning Post |date=29 November 2025 |access-date=29 November 2025 |language=en |archive-date=29 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251129040536/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334598/hongkongers-mourn-fire-victims-citywide-condolence-points-toll-128 |url-status=live}}</ref> The relief fund reached over {{HKDConvert|1.2|b}}, comprising {{HKDConvert|900|m}} in public donations and {{HKDConvert|300|m}} in government grants. 1,420 of 1,900 registered households received the relief payment by 30 November.<ref name="RTHK-2025b">{{Cite web |date=1 December 2025 |title=Community donates HK$900m to victims of Tai Po fire |url=https://gbcode.rthk.hk/TuniS/news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1834027-20251201.htm |access-date=1 December 2025 |work=RTHK |archive-date=8 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251208053441/https://gbcode.rthk.hk/TuniS/news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1834027-20251201.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Additional compensation included HK$200,000 per deceased victim for family members, HK$50,000 for funeral expenses and related costs, a HK$50,000 living allowance beginning in early December, and [[columbarium]] fees being waived for deceased residents.<ref name="RTHK-2025b" /> In addition, the [[Social Welfare Department]] distributed [[Octopus card]]s with $2,000 of stored credit, with each resident receiving one card to cover their daily travel expenses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fire recovery work stepped up |url=http://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2025/11/20251128/20251128_221605_891.html |access-date=1 December 2025 |publisher=[[Information Services Department]] |language=zh-hk |archive-date=29 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251129195938/https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2025/11/20251128/20251128_221605_891.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

===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.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑大火社區支援資訊一文睇 |url=https://www.hkcd.com.hk/content_app/2025-11/27/content_8727228.html |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[Hong Kong Commercial Daily]] |language=zh-hk |archive-date=4 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260204204821/https://www.hkcd.com.hk/content_app/2025-11/27/content_8727228.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[The Salvation Army]] and [[Rhenish Missionary Society]] opened their service centres providing mental support services.<ref name="hkfp_guide_20251127" /><ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火一文睇社區資源臨時庇護中心、臨時住宿及免費借尿袋資訊 |url=https://www.stheadline.com/society/3521604/大埔宏福苑五級火一文睇社區資源-臨時庇護中心臨時住宿及免費借尿袋資訊 |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[Sing Tao Daily]] |language=zh-hk |archive-date=1 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201062724/https://www.stheadline.com/society/3521604/大埔宏福苑五級火一文睇社區資源-臨時庇護中心臨時住宿及免費借尿袋資訊 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Hong Kong Red Cross]] staffed six temporary shelters, and established a mental support hotline.<ref name="hkfp_guide_20251127" /> 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]].<ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火烏溪沙青年新村即晚開放900個免費宿位予市民暫避 |url=https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/60298009/宏福苑五級火-烏溪沙青年新村即晚開放900個免費宿位予市民暫避 |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[HK01]] |language=zh-hk |archive-date=7 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207003612/https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/60298009/宏福苑五級火-烏溪沙青年新村即晚開放900個免費宿位予市民暫避 |url-status=live}}</ref> The non-profit [[Hong Kong Jockey Club]] opened several front-line shelters staffed with social workers.<ref name="Chau" /> The [[Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui]] Yuen Chen Maun Chen Primary School was opened for affected residents to rest and for refreshments.<ref name="yahoo1">{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火現場直擊警登記櫃位暫錄200人失聯居民遙望烈火吞噬住所(附社區支援聯絡) |url=https://hk.news.yahoo.com/宏福苑五級火︱現場直擊-警登記櫃位暫錄200人失聯-居民遙望烈火吞噬住所（附社區支援聯絡）︱yahoo-115923943.html |access-date=27 November 2025 |publisher=[[Yahoo! News]] |language=zh-hk |archive-date=29 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251129223136/https://hk.news.yahoo.com/宏福苑五級火︱現場直擊-警登記櫃位暫錄200人失聯-居民遙望烈火吞噬住所（附社區支援聯絡）︱yahoo-115923943.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Various fundraisers were also 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.<ref name="hkfp_guide_20251127">{{Cite web |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/27/hkfp-guide-how-to-support-families-affected-by-the-deadly-tai-po-fire/ |title=HKFP Guide: How to support families affected by the deadly Tai Po fire |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |date=27 November 2025 |access-date=30 November 2025}}</ref><ref name="SCMP-2025a" /> The [[Law Society of Hong Kong]] established a hotline providing up to 45 minutes of free legal advice to those affected in the fire.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HK Law Society launches free legal advice hotline for Tai Po fire victims |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318007/HK-Law-Society-launches-free-legal-advice-hotline-for-Tai-Po-fire-victims |date=28 November 2025 |access-date=1 December 2025 |work=[[The Standard (Hong Kong)|The Standard]] |archive-date=14 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214132929/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318007/HK-Law-Society-launches-free-legal-advice-hotline-for-Tai-Po-fire-victims |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Donations=== [[Xiaomi]] pledged a {{HKDConvert|10|m}} donation through its foundation to provide medical assistance, emergency resettlement, and transitional living assistance for affected residents.<ref>{{Cite web |author=金融組 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火{{!}}香港小米基金會: 捐贈1000萬元緊急馳援大埔火災救援 |url=https://inews.hket.com/article/4044597/tai-po-fire-corporate-donations-2025 |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[Hong Kong Economic Times]] |language=zh-Hant}}</ref> [[Henderson Land Development|Henderson Land]] donated {{HKDConvert|30|m|lk=off}} towards transitional living arrangements and emergency relief, while the [[Chow Tai Fook|Chow Tai Fook Group]] announced that it was donating {{HKDConvert|20|m}} and would be offering temporary accommodation.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/27/hong-kong-conglomerates-donate-over-hk100-million-to-victims-of-deadly-tai-po-blaze/ |title=Hong Kong conglomerates donate over HK$100 million to victims of deadly Tai Po blaze |date=27 November 2025 |access-date=29 November 2025 |website=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |last=Leung |first=Hillary}}</ref> [[Alibaba Group]] and [[Ant Group]] donated HK$20 million and HK$10 million, respectively. The [[Jack Ma Foundation]] also donated HK$30 million.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=Mainland giants quick to offer assistance to HK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1833531-20251127.htm |access-date=27 November 2025 |publisher=[[RTHK]] |archive-date=1 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201151508/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1833531-20251127.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Qiming Venture Partners]] donated HK$3 million.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://internationalfireandsafetyjournal.com/hong-kong-wang-fuk-fire/ |title=Hong Kong Wang Fuk Court fire drives safety investigation, casualty review and reconstruction support funding |first=Iain |last=Hoey |website=International Fire and Safety Journal |date=1 December 2025 |access-date=2 December 2025}}</ref> [[Cryptocurrency exchange]]s Bitget, [[Binance]], [[Crypto.com|Crypto]], and [[KuCoin]] donated approximately {{HKDConvert|24.78|m}};<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/crypto-tycoons-pour-millions-relief-203349373.html |title=Crypto tycoons pour in millions into relief after Hong Kong's deadliest fire since 1948}}</ref> smaller exchanges also contributed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/crypto-community-comes-together-support-182622550.html |title=Crypto Community Comes Together to Support Hong Kong Tai Po Fire Victims |date=28 November 2025 |website=Yahoo News |access-date=4 December 2025 |archive-date=29 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251129011038/https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/crypto-community-comes-together-support-182622550.html |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Animoca Brands]] began an omnibus [[fundraiser]] which enabled donations from the global [[cryptocurrency|crypto]] community to the [[Hong Kong Red Cross]]' Tai Po Fire Emergency Appeal.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/markets/crypto-tycoons-pour-in-millions-into-relief-after-hong-kongs-deadliest-fire-since-1948 |title=Crypto tycoons pour in millions into relief after Hong Kong's deadliest fire since 1948 |access-date=4 December 2025 |archive-date=12 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251212043739/https://www.thestreet.com/crypto/markets/crypto-tycoons-pour-in-millions-into-relief-after-hong-kongs-deadliest-fire-since-1948 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://cointelegraph.com/news/crypto-exchanges-3-2m-donations-hong-kong-fire |title=Crypto industry pledges over $3M to victims of Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades |date=28 November 2025 |website=Cointelegraph |access-date=4 December 2025 |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128160833/https://cointelegraph.com/news/crypto-exchanges-3-2m-donations-hong-kong-fire |url-status=live}}</ref> At the drive's end on 3 December 2025 approximately HK$869,067.7 (sic) had been raised, almost 33% of the total.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.animocabrands.com/animoca-brands-and-crypto-communities-donate-over-hkd2600000-for-hong-kong-tai-po-fire-relief |title=Animoca Brands and crypto communities donate over HK$2.6 million for Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire relief |website=animocabrands}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://debank.com/profile/0x56f747940cccc69d54fc9223d3dd57e42a98a2e2 |title=DeBank | Your go-to portfolio tracker for Ethereum and EVM |website=DeBank |access-date=13 January 2026 |archive-date=10 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251210225616/https://debank.com/profile/0x56f747940cccc69d54fc9223d3dd57e42a98a2e2 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://explorer.solana.com/address/3hxNJNR3QacMzbW9gNG5kPhbFozXi4bkztDS2HE3XYef |title=Transaction History | 3hxNJNR3QacMzbW9gNG5kPhbFozXi4bkztDS2HE3XYef | Solana |website=explorer.solana.com |access-date=13 January 2026 |archive-date=5 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205235457/https://explorer.solana.com/address/3hxNJNR3QacMzbW9gNG5kPhbFozXi4bkztDS2HE3XYef |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Hong Kong Jockey Club]] also donated {{HKDConvert|100|m}} to "address the immediate needs of victims and the families of the deceased" and pledged more aid later on.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Club provides emergency relief to victims of Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po |date=27 November 2025 |publisher=Hong Kong Jockey Club |url=https://corporate.hkjc.com/corporate/corporate-news/english/2025-11/news_2025112701823.aspx |language=en |access-date=8 December 2025 |archive-date=6 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251206131358/https://corporate.hkjc.com/corporate/corporate-news/english/2025-11/news_2025112701823.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref>

In South Korea, [[SM Entertainment]] pledged {{HKDConvert|1|m}} 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kim |first=Boram |date=27 November 2025 |title=SM Entertainment, K-pop stars donate for victims of Hong Kong fire |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251127011400320 |access-date=27 November 2025 |agency=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |language=en-US |archive-date=7 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260207020447/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251127011400320 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[YG Entertainment]] also pledged HK$1 million to the fire victims.<ref>{{Cite news |title=YG Entertainment Donates 1 Million HKD to Hong Kong Fire Victims |url=https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2025/11/28/U5TJIV5TH5BFBPULSMEEGFEBSA/ |work=OSEN |via=[[The Chosun Daily]] |date=28 November 2025 |access-date=28 November 2025 |language=en |last=Yoo |first=Soo-yeon |archive-date=3 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251203214257/https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2025/11/28/U5TJIV5TH5BFBPULSMEEGFEBSA/ |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Stray Kids]] pledged HK$1 million through [[World Vision]] Hong Kong for temporary housing and other support for displaced residents and children.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://sbsstar.net/article/N1008349306/stray-kids-donate-after-hong-kong-highrise-fire-our-hearts-are-heavy |title=Stray Kids Donate After Hong Kong High-Rise Fire: "Our Hearts Are Heavy" |date=28 November 2025 |website=[[Seoul Broadcasting System]] |last=Kang |first=Kyung-youn |access-date=1 December 2025 |archive-date=12 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251212062103/https://sbsstar.net/article/N1008349306/stray-kids-donate-after-hong-kong-highrise-fire-our-hearts-are-heavy |url-status=live}}</ref> Likewise, [[JYP Entertainment]]<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 November 2025 |title=K-pop stars announce flurry of donations to support victims of Hong Kong tower fire |url=https://apnews.com/article/kpop-stars-donations-hong-kong-fire-aespa-d46e3bd607ab8f77503545f405460574 |access-date=28 November 2025 |website=[[AP News]] |language=en-US |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128175234/https://apnews.com/article/kpop-stars-donations-hong-kong-fire-aespa-d46e3bd607ab8f77503545f405460574 |url-status=live}}</ref> and the [[MAMA Awards]] also pledged donations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Alyssa |date=27 November 2025 |title=Debate emerges over MAMA Awards proceeding after Hong Kong fire |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/k-pop/20251127/debate-emerges-over-mama-awards-proceeding-after-hong-kong-fire |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[The Korea Times]] |archive-date=27 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127075341/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/k-pop/20251127/debate-emerges-over-mama-awards-proceeding-after-hong-kong-fire |url-status=live}}</ref> The latter also revised the programme and performances at the lavish awards ceremony scheduled for the weekend of the [[2025 MAMA Awards|2025 edition]] that was held at the [[Kai Tak Sports Park|Kai Tak Stadium]]; the [[red carpet]] event ahead of the awards night was cancelled as a sign of respect for the victims.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grover |first=Ashima |date=27 November 2025 |title=2025 MAMA Awards cancelled? CJ ENM responds as Hong Kong fire tragedy happened just 20 km away |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/life/entertainment-2025-mama-awards-cancelled-doubts-emerge-as-hong-kong-fire-tragedy-happened-just-20-km-away-4058006/ |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]] |archive-date=1 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201145412/https://www.financialexpress.com/life/entertainment-2025-mama-awards-cancelled-doubts-emerge-as-hong-kong-fire-tragedy-happened-just-20-km-away-4058006/ |url-status=live}}</ref> A moment of silence for the victims was held at the start and at the end of the ceremony.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shim |first=Sun-ah |date=28 November 2025 |title=(LEAD) MAMA Awards opens in Hong Kong with tribute to victims of deadly fire |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251128011200315 |access-date=28 November 2025 |agency=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |language=en-US |archive-date=1 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201131731/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251128011200315 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=IDID Donates HK$100,000 to Hong Kong Red Cross After Fire Tragedy |url=https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2025/11/29/KTPOTZQ5HBBENLVKCT3U2I6OQU/ |website=The Chosun Daily |access-date=29 November 2025 |language=ko |date=29 November 2025 |archive-date=20 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251220100537/https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2025/11/29/KTPOTZQ5HBBENLVKCT3U2I6OQU/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=30 November 2025 |title=周潤發哽咽悼大埔宏福苑五級火罹難者掀熱議代表香港現身MAMA 網民：好有心，得佢唔會被鬧 |url=https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3522553/周潤發哽咽悼大埔宏福苑五級火罹難者掀熱議-代表香港現身MAMA-網民好有心得佢唔會被鬧 |access-date=4 December 2025 |work=[[Sing Tao Daily]] |language=zh-HK |trans-title=Chow Yun-fat choked up while mourning the victims of the level-five fire at Hung Fook Court in Tai Po, sparking heated discussion. He represented Hong Kong at the MAMA awards ceremony. Netizens commented: "So thoughtful, only he will be criticized." |archive-date=6 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251206061524/https://www.stheadline.com/film-drama/3522553/周潤發哽咽悼大埔宏福苑五級火罹難者掀熱議-代表香港現身MAMA-網民好有心得佢唔會被鬧 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Reactions ==

===Hong Kong=== [[File:Tai Po Fire (92662).jpg|thumb|The [[Flag of China|Chinese national]] and [[Flag of Hong Kong|Hong Kong]] flags at [[Central Government Complex (Hong Kong)|Central Government Complex]] flying at half-mast]] Chief Executive [[John Lee Ka-chiu|John Lee]], in an initial press conference in the early hours of 27 November, described the fire as a "major disaster" and expressed his sadness, deepest condolences and sympathies to the deceased and their families.<ref name="inmediace">{{cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=【宏福苑五級火】36人死279人失聯李家超：極度難過 |url=https://www.inmediahk.net/node/政經/【宏福苑五級火】36人死279人失聯-李家超：極度難過 |access-date=27 November 2025 |location=香港 |language=zh-hk |agency=[[Hong Kong Inmedia]] |trans-title=[Fire at Hung Fuk Yuen - Level 5] 36 Dead, 279 Missing; Lee Ka-chiu: Extremely Saddened}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=李家超稱宏福苑五級火是重大災難指示各部門及單位全力撲救 |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1833500-20251127.htm |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=RTHK}}</ref> 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.<ref name="inmediace" /> Various secretaries of the [[Executive Council of Hong Kong]] (ExCo) visited the affected residents and injured at the temporary shelters and hospitals.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火李家超到大埔探望受火災影響居民 |url=https://news.now.com/home/local/player?newsId=627429 |access-date=27 November 2025 |location=香港 |language=zh-hk |agency=NOW新聞}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火．直播︱蔡若蓮、麥美娟及孫玉菡下午探望災民後會見記者 |url=https://www.stheadline.com/society/3522162/大埔宏福苑五級火直播蔡若蓮麥美娟及孫玉菡下午探望災民後會見記者 |access-date=28 November 2025 |work=星島頭條}}</ref> 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,{{efn|Shenzhen authorities later clarified that the gathering was part of a routine readiness drill exercise.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202511/27/WS6927e050a310d6866eb2bb30.html |title=Shenzhen Fire Department dismisses speculation about cross-border assistance |last=Guo |first=Yanqi |date=27 November 2025 |website=China Daily |archive-date=30 November 2025 |access-date=29 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251130081723/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202511/27/WS6927e050a310d6866eb2bb30.html |url-status=live}}</ref>}} Lee expressed his thanks but also stated that Hong Kong's fire department had assessed that there were sufficient manpower to handle the fire.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=宏福苑五級火深圳消防候命馳援李家超評估夠人力滅火-感謝周邊城市關心 |url=https://www.stheadline.com/society/3521687/ |access-date=27 November 2025 |location=香港 |language=zh-hk |agency=星島頭條}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=John Lee: HK has enough staff for Wang Fuk Court fire fight |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/317908/John-Lee-HK-has-enough-staff-for-Wang-Fuk-Court-fire-fight |access-date=29 November 2025 |website=The Standard |language=en |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128173806/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/317908/John-Lee-HK-has-enough-staff-for-Wang-Fuk-Court-fire-fight |url-status=live}}</ref> Lee faced backlash after he thanked Xi Jinping and other mainland support units before thanking the work of the firefighters, police officers, frontline staff, and medics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 November 2025 |title=HKFP Monitor Nov 29, 2025: Deadly fire a test of governance, as netizens rally against foreign media bamboo blame |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/29/hkfp-monitor-nov-29-2025-deadly-fire-a-test-of-governance-as-netizens-rally-against-foreign-media-bamboo-blame/ |access-date=30 November 2025 |website=[[Hong Kong Free Press]]}}</ref>

Both the Chief Executive and Secretary for Security [[Chris Tang]] paid tribute to the firefighter, Ho Wai-ho, who died fighting the fire. Tang expressed "deep grief" and offered his "deepest condolences" to the firefighter's family.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carnahan |first=Ashley |date=26 November 2025 |title=Fire tears through Hong Kong housing complex, killing at least 36 with hundreds missing |url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/fire-tears-hong-kong-housing-133619919.html |access-date=26 November 2025 |publisher=[[Fox News]] |language=en-US |via=[[Yahoo! News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 November 2025 |title=Hong Kong leader John Lee pays tribute to firefighter killed in Tai Po blaze |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334275/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-pays-tribute-firefighter-killed-tai-po-blaze |access-date=28 November 2025 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=27 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127060814/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334275/hong-kong-leader-john-lee-pays-tribute-firefighter-killed-tai-po-blaze |url-status=live}}</ref> On 27 November, the [[Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)|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.<ref name="am730_20251127" />

In response to the fire, the [[Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau]] announced that the four forums for the [[2025 Hong Kong legislative election|legislative election]] scheduled for 27 and 28 November would be suspended.<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=因應大埔宏福苑五級火明日及後日共4場立法會選舉論壇暫停舉行 |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1833434-20251126.htm |access-date=26 November 2025 |publisher=RTHK |location=香港 |language=zh-hk}}</ref> Forums were further suspended until 30 November, affecting eight such events in total.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=立法會選舉｜政府宣布今日至月底共8場選舉論壇暫停舉行 |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1833592-20251127.htm |publisher=RTHK}}</ref> [[File:Tai Po Fire (80395).jpg|thumb|Flowers laid by the public near the complex |left]]Condolence points for the public to sign [[condolence book]]s were set up in all 18 districts of Hong Kong during the mourning period.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 November 2025 |title=Hong Kong to hold three days of mourning for Tai Po fire victims |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318085/Hong-Kong-to-hold-three-days-of-mourning-for-Tai-Po-fire-victims |access-date=29 November 2025 |work=[[The Standard (Hong Kong)|The Standard]] |archive-date=1 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201051523/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318085/Hong-Kong-to-hold-three-days-of-mourning-for-Tai-Po-fire-victims |url-status=live}}</ref> Over the weekend, thousands queued and gathered at a fire cordon to lay flowers with handwritten notes of "Rest In Peace".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tse |first=Hans |date=29 November 2025 |title=In Pictures: Hongkongers mourn victims of deadly Tai Po fire as flags at half mast across city |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/29/in-pictures-hongkongers-mourn-victims-of-deadly-tai-po-fire-as-flags-at-half-mast-across-city/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 November 2025 |title=Stunned mourners gather outside ruins of Hong Kong housing estate blaze |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20251129-stunned-mourners-gather-outside-ruins-of-hong-kong-housing-estate-blaze |access-date=4 December 2025 |publisher=France 24 |language=en}}</ref> In addition, many websites for organisations based in Hong Kong, including government websites, changed their entire website colour to greyscale to show sympathy and solidarity for the victims involved in the fire.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火｜天文台網頁轉黑白致哀本港今早乾燥清涼僅16度 |url=https://www.stheadline.com/breaking-news/3522026/ |website=[[Sing Tao Daily]] |language=zh-hk}}</ref>

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. In a press conference on 28 November, the authorities 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.<ref name="hk01_60297831" />

To mourn the victims of the fire, the [[Flag of China|national]] and the [[Flag of Hong Kong|Hong Kong regional flags]] flown at government buildings were ordered to be set at [[half-mast]] from 29 November to 1 December, and a three-minute silence was held on 29 November at the [[Central Government Complex (Hong Kong)|Central Government Complex]].<ref name="Rising" /> During this period, [[Executive Council of Hong Kong|ExCo]] members cancelled non-essential public events, while entertainment and celebrations organised and funded by the Hong Kong government were either cancelled or postponed.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 November 2025 |title=香港就哀悼大埔宏福苑火灾罹难者作出安排 |url=https://www.news.cn/gangao/20251128/b38e30576ae14130973397f8ce26b738/c.html |access-date=28 November 2025 |agency=新华社 |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128132339/http://www.news.cn/gangao/20251128/b38e30576ae14130973397f8ce26b738/c.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The daily ''[[A Symphony of Lights]]'' show was suspended on 27 November,<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=Public events cancelled or postponed |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c2emg1kj1klt?page=3 |access-date=28 November 2025 |work=[[BBC News]] |archive-date=27 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127175342/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c2emg1kj1klt?page=3 |url-status=live}}</ref> and resumed on the evening of 10 December.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/12/11/some-hong-kong-events-resume-after-mourning-period-for-tai-po-fire-victims/ |title=Some Hong Kong events resume after mourning period for Tai Po fire victims |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |date=11 December 2025 |access-date=12 December 2025}}</ref>

===Mainland China=== [[File:The Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong mourns the victims of the Tai Po fire 20251129.png|thumb|Mourning ceremony at Beijing's [[Hong Kong Liaison Office]]]]

The [[General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party]], [[Xi Jinping]], expressed condolences to the victims of the deadly blaze and urged an "all-out effort" to extinguish the fire, and to minimise casualties and losses.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Siu |first1=Tyrone |last2=Zhou |first2=Joyce |last3=Pang |first3=Jessie |date=26 November 2025 |title=Hong Kong buildings blaze kills 36, nearly 300 missing |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/fire-engulfs-residential-building-hong-kong-2025-11-26/ |access-date=30 November 2025 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref><ref name="st_3521616">{{Cite web |date=26 November 2025 |title=大埔宏福苑五級火 {{!}} 港澳辦: 堅決貫徹習近平總書記重要指示精神全力支持香港特區政府應對處置火災事故 |url=https://www.stheadline.com/society/3521616/ |access-date=26 November 2025 |work=[[Sing Tao Daily]] |language=zh-hk |quote=Hong Kong and Macao Work Office: Resolutely implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions and fully support the Hong Kong SAR Government in responding to and handling the fire incident (translate to English)}}</ref> Xi also requested the [[Hong Kong and Macao Work Office]] (HMO) and the [[Hong Kong Liaison Office]] to support the Hong Kong government in its efforts.<ref name="st_3521616" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=26 November 2025 |title=习近平向香港新界大埔区住宅楼重大火灾事故遇难人员和殉职的消防员表示哀悼对遇难者家属和受灾人员表示慰问要求全力以赴扑灭火灾努力把火灾伤亡损失降到最低 |url=http://www.news.cn/politics/leaders/20251126/dc7eab49698244cd9e54b7a5b0aa3f92/c.html |access-date=26 November 2025 |website=[[新华网]] |language=zh-CN |archive-date=27 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127134228/http://www.news.cn/politics/leaders/20251126/dc7eab49698244cd9e54b7a5b0aa3f92/c.html |url-status=live}}</ref> Jiang Bin, the spokesperson for the [[Ministry of National Defense (China)|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 units would provide assistance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=國防部：駐港部隊將聽令而行依法履職守護好香港 |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1833583-20251127.htm |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[RTHK]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=孙汝 |title=PLA will do everything to safeguard Hong Kong, Defense Ministry says |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202511/27/WS692837eaa310d6866eb2bc19.html |access-date=29 November 2025 |website=China Daily |archive-date=2 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251202154544/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202511/27/WS692837eaa310d6866eb2bc19.html |url-status=live}}</ref> On 27 November, the HMO announced that a working group was dispatched to Hong Kong to assist in the disaster relief work following the fire.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=港澳辦副主任徐啟方、農融率工作組抵港協助救災 |url=https://www.hk01.com/article/60298352 |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=HK01}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=宏福苑大火｜陳國基：已尋求內地支援感謝廣東消防和深圳消防借出無人機等裝備 – 香港商報 |url=https://www.hkcd.com.hk/hkcdweb/content/2025/11/28/content_8727576.html |access-date=28 November 2025 |website=HKCD}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Tang |first1=Ziyi |last2=Cash |first2=Joe |date=29 November 2025 |editor-last1=Coates |editor-first1=Stephen |title=China launches nationwide fire safety inspection following Hong Kong fire |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-launches-nationwide-fire-safety-inspection-following-hong-kong-fire-2025-11-29/ |work=Reuters |editor-first2=Tom |editor-last2=Hogue}}</ref>

===Macao=== The [[Chief Executive of Macau|Chief Executive of Macao]], [[Sam Hou Fai]], on behalf of the [[Macao Government|Government of Macao]], expressed his condolences to the victims and their families and sympathies to John Lee, the injured and their families. He also personally donated {{HKDConvert|10|m|lk=off}} to support recovery efforts and stated that full assistance from Macao would be provided if required.<ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=CE mourns victims of Hong Kong fire |url=https://www.gcs.gov.mo/news/detail/en/N25KZs7Us2 |access-date=26 November 2025 |location=Macau |agency=[[Government Information Bureau]] |archive-date=5 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205090107/https://www.gcs.gov.mo/news/detail/en/N25KZs7Us2 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=CE mourns victims of Hong Kong fire |url=https://appapi.tdm.com.mo/en/news-detail/1153905 |access-date=1 December 2025 |website=[[TDM (Macau)|TDM]] |archive-date=4 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251204091821/https://appapi.tdm.com.mo/en/news-detail/1153905 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 November 2025 |title=致哀國家續增韓總統中文慰問「鄰居」 |url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/要聞/article/20251129/s00001/1764354158306/致哀國家續增-韓總統中文慰問「鄰居」 |access-date=29 November 2025 |work=Ming Pao}}</ref> [[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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 November 2025 |title=A message from The King to the people of Hong Kong following the devastating fire in Tai Po. |url=https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2025-11-28/a-message-from-the-king-to-the-people-of-hong-kong-following-the |access-date=29 November 2025 |website=Royal Family |language=en |archive-date=29 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251129082335/https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2025-11-28/a-message-from-the-king-to-the-people-of-hong-kong-following-the |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=King Charles III sends heartfelt message of condolence to Hong Kong after Tai Po fire |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318104/King-Charles-III-sends-heartfelt-message-of-condolence-to-Hong-Kong-after-Tai-Po-fire |access-date=29 November 2025 |website=The Standard |language=en}}</ref> [[Pope Leo XIV]] expressed deep sorrow over the incident, and sent a [[telegram]] to the [[Diocese of Hong Kong|Bishop of Hong Kong]], [[Stephen Chow (cardinal)|Stephen Chow]] offering condolences to the victims and prayers for the deceased and rescue workers.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=Pope Leo XIV prays for victims of Hong Kong fire |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-11/pope-leo-xiv-telegram-victims-hong-kong-fire-prayers.html |access-date=1 December 2025 |work=[[Vatican News]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |script-title=zh:大埔宏福苑五級火｜教宗良十四世發慰問信對事件深表悲痛 |url=https://news.hket.com/article/4045154/大埔宏福苑五級火｜教宗良十四世發慰問信%E3%80%80對事件深表悲痛 |work=[[Hong Kong Economic Times]] |language=zh-Hant |trans-title=Five-level fire at Hung Fook Court in Tai Po {{!}} Pope Leo XIV sends a letter of condolence expressing deep sorrow over the incident}}</ref> 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".<ref>{{cite web |author1=Parliament House, Canberra |date=27 November 2025 |title=Press conference – Canberra |url=https://www.pm.gov.au/media/press-conference-canberra-27nov25 |access-date=28 November 2025 |website=Prime Minister of Australia |language=en |location=Canberra, Australia}}</ref> 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.<ref name="HKFPInternationalResponses">{{Cite web |date=28 November 2025 |title='You are not alone': Countries, officials, Grenfell victims express condolences over Tai Po fire tragedy |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/28/you-are-not-alone-countries-officials-grenfell-victims-express-condolences-over-tai-po-fire-tragedy/ |access-date=1 December 2025 |website=[[Hong Kong Free Press]]}}</ref> 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.<ref name="HKFPInternationalResponses" /> Similar statements have been made by the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the [[US Department of State]] Thomas Pigott,<ref name="HKFPInternationalResponses" /> German Foreign Minister [[Johann Wadephul]],<ref name="HKFPInternationalResponses" /> Irish Foreign Minister [[Helen McEntee]],<ref name="HKFPInternationalResponses" /> South Korean Foreign Minister [[Cho Hyun (diplomat)|Cho Hyun]],<ref>{{cite news |author=류재민 |date=28 November 2025 |title='94명 사망' 홍콩 화재에 조현 "깊은 애도"…한국인 피해는 없어 |url=https://www.seoul.co.kr/news/politics/diplomacy/2025/11/28/20251128500092 |access-date=28 November 2025 |work=서울신문 |language=ko}}</ref> Japanese Prime Minister [[Sanae Takaichi]],<ref>{{cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=Japan's PM Takaichi expresses condolences over Hong Kong high-rise fire |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20251128_01/ |access-date=2 December 2025 |website=[[NHK World-Japan]] |language=en |archive-date=3 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251203091342/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20251128_01/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Singaporean Prime Minister [[Lawrence Wong]],<ref>{{cite news |date=28 November 2025 |title=Singapore expresses condolences over Hong Kong fire |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/hong-kong-wang-fuk-court-fire-singapore-condolences-victims-lawrence-wong-5495366 |access-date=28 November 2025 |work=[[CNA (TV network)|CNA]] |language=en |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128103426/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/hong-kong-wang-fuk-court-fire-singapore-condolences-victims-lawrence-wong-5495366 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Malaysian Prime Minister [[Anwar Ibrahim]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 November 2025 |title=香港宏福苑大火｜内阁汇报灾情安华慰问致哀 |url=https://www.chinapress.com.my/20251128/香港宏福苑大火｜内阁汇报灾情-安华慰问致哀/ |access-date=2 January 2026 |website=[[China Press]] |language=zh-MY}}</ref> Pakistani President [[Asif Ali Zardari]],<ref>{{cite news |date=26 November 2025 |title=President condoles Hong Kong fire tragedy |url=https://president.gov.pk/news/president-condoles-hong-kong-fire-tragedy-2 |access-date=28 November 2025 |work=president.gov.pk |language=en}}</ref> the [[Turkish government]],<ref>{{cite press release |title=No: 236, 27 November 2025, Regarding the Fire in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China |date=27 November 2025 |publisher=[[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Turkey)|Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye]] |url=https://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-236_-cin-halk-cumhuriyeti-hong-kong-ozel-idare-bolgesi-nde-meydana-gelen-yangin-hk.en.mfa |language=en |access-date=28 November 2025}}</ref> Kazakh President [[Kassym-Jomart Tokayev]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Nurmaganbetova |first=Zhanna |date=27 November 2025 |title=Kazakh President condoles over deadly building fire in Hong Kong |url=https://qazinform.com/news/kazakh-president-condoles-over-deadly-building-fire-in-hong-kong-585395 |access-date=1 December 2025 |language=en |agency=[[Kazinform]] |archive-date=6 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251206095824/https://qazinform.com/news/kazakh-president-condoles-over-deadly-building-fire-in-hong-kong-585395 |url-status=live}}</ref> Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]]<ref>{{cite web |date=28 November 2025 |title=Putin expresses condolences to Xi over fire in Taipo |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318002/Putin-expresses-condolences-to-Xi-over-fire-in-Taipo |access-date=1 December 2025 |website=[[The Standard (Hong Kong)|The Standard]] |language=en |archive-date=9 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251209080233/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318002/Putin-expresses-condolences-to-Xi-over-fire-in-Taipo |url-status=live}}</ref> and Maldivian President [[Mohamed Muizzu]] sent messages of condolence to Xi Jinping.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 November 2025 |title=President extends condolences in the wake of catastrophic weather impacts in Southeast Asia |url=https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/35785 |access-date=30 November 2025 |website=[[The President's Office]] |location=Maldives |quote=He also expressed profound sorrow over the tragic fire in Hong Kong that has claimed multiple lives, extending condolences to the President of the People's Republic of China, His Excellency Xi Jinping, the government, and the families of the victims. |archive-date=2 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251202124505/https://presidency.gov.mv/Press/Article/35785 |url-status=live}}</ref> From Taiwan, President [[Lai Ching-te]] and Vice President [[Hsiao Bi-khim]] expressed their condolences.<ref>{{Cite news |author=陳佩君 |date=27 November 2025 |title=香港大火奪44命！賴清德、蕭美琴發聲了 |url=https://tw.news.yahoo.com/share/52c9a29e-dc91-3e3c-8908-5bc9a4066a6f |work=今日新聞 |agency=Yahoo新聞}}</ref> The [[Mainland Affairs Council]] also expressed condolences and sympathies for the fire accident.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=陸委會對香港宏福苑火災事件表達哀悼與慰問 |url=https://www.mac.gov.tw/News_Content.aspx?n=05B73310C5C3A632&sms=1A40B00E4C745211&s=DA1E73926F65C024 |work=陸委會}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=陳政錄 |author2=周佑政 |date=28 November 2025 |title=77年來最慘香港宏福苑大火已83死77傷 |url=https://udn.com/news/story/124663/9168100 |access-date=28 November 2025 |work=聯合報 |language=zh-tw}}</ref>

[[Grenfell United]], an activist group 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.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=Nearly 300 missing in massive Hong Kong fire: Families look for relatives as blaze continues |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/asia/nearly-300-missing-in-massive-hong-kong-fire-families-look-for-relatives-as-blaze-continues |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=Khaleej Times}}</ref>

==Investigation== An inter-departmental Fire Investigation Task Force was established on 28 November, led by the [[Hong Kong Fire Services Department]] and comprising representatives from the [[Hong Kong Police Force]], the [[Buildings Department]], the [[Electrical and Mechanical Services Department]], the Housing Bureau's Independent Checking Unit, the [[Labour Department (Hong Kong)|Labour Department]], the Government Laboratory, and fire engineering professionals. The task force's two primary objectives are to investigate the cause and spread of the fire and to determine factors that contributed to the heavy casualty toll.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 November 2025 |title=Task force probes Tai Po fire |url=https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2025/11/20251129/20251129_143248_032.html |access-date=1 December 2025 |publisher=Government of Hong Kong |archive-date=29 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251129203726/https://www.news.gov.hk/eng/2025/11/20251129/20251129_143248_032.html |url-status=live}}</ref> It was estimated that it would take three to four weeks to collect evidence.<ref name="Davidson-2025a" />

=== Police and anti-corruption authorities === In the early hours of 27 November, the Hong Kong Police Force arrested three men on the suspicion of [[manslaughter]].<ref name="RTHK-2025">{{Cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=Tai Po fire death toll climbs to 44, 58 injured |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1833502-20251127.htm |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[RTHK]] |archive-date=2 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251202040101/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1833502-20251127.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> 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]].<ref name="CNBC-2025a" /> The company, later confirmed to be Prestige Construction and Engineering Company, was searched by the police with several boxes of documentation taken as evidence.<ref name="Davidson-2025" /> By 3 December, a total of 16 people had been arrested on charges relating to the fire,<ref name="scmp_20251224">{{cite web |title=Hong Kong police make another arrest over deadly Tai Po blaze |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3337665/hong-kong-police-make-another-arrest-over-deadly-tai-po-blaze |first=Emily |last=Hung |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |date=24 November 2025 |access-date=2 January 2026 |archive-date=2 January 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260102005136/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3337665/hong-kong-police-make-another-arrest-over-deadly-tai-po-blaze |url-status=live}}</ref> including six who were suspected of deactivating fire alarms during the renovation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hong Kong high-rise fire death toll rises to 159 as authorities arrest 6 over failed fire alarms |url=https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-tai-po-fire-highrise-a82446d3ade61c71c1915f29d89cb35c |access-date=4 December 2025 |website=AP News |archive-date=4 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251204062543/https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-tai-po-fire-highrise-a82446d3ade61c71c1915f29d89cb35c |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)|Independent Commission Against Corruption]] (ICAC) also launched an investigation over possible corruption during the renovation works due to the "significant public interest" involved.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 November 2025 |title=香港廉政公署: 就宏福苑大维修工程可能涉及贪污展开调查 |url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_32054788 |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[The Paper (newspaper)|The Paper]] |quote=据香港电台官网消息, 香港廉政公署表示, 由于事件涉及重大公众利益, 廉署成立项目小组, 就大埔宏福苑大维修工程可能涉及贪污展开全面调查. |trans-quote=According to RTHK, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) stated that, due to the significant public interest involved in the incident, the ICAC has established a task force to conduct a full investigation into the potential corruption involved in the major renovation works at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. |archive-date=13 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251213182528/https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_32054788 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="bbc_c2emg1kj1klt">{{Cite web |title=Hong Kong fire kills at least 75, but blaze 'under control' – live updates |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c2emg1kj1klt |website=BBC News |access-date=26 November 2025 |archive-date=26 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251126132304/https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c2emg1kj1klt |url-status=live}}</ref> On 28 November, the ICAC arrested eight people on the suspicion of corruption.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Hafsa |last=Khalil |title=Eight more arrested over fire in Hong Kong that killed at least 128 people |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c79xd17dre3o |work=[[BBC News]] |date=28 November 2025 |access-date=28 November 2025 |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128150558/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c79xd17dre3o |url-status=live}}</ref> [[File:RIP to all gone souls in Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po.jpg|thumb|Remnants of the scaffolding at issue]] Initial investigations revealed multiple potential [[fire safety]] violations at the estates:

* [[Expanded-polystyrene|Expanded polystyrene]] boards were installed covering interior windows on each floor near lift lobbies and all exterior windows.<ref name="RTHK-2025" /><ref name="CNA x205"/> These were confirmed to be highly flammable. The fire ignited at the Wang Cheong House and quickly spread to these boards causing windows to shatter and allow the fire to spread indoors and set items on fire.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Stevenson |first1=Alexandra |last2=Dong |first2=Joy |last3=May |first3=Tiffany |last4=Bradsher |first4=Keith |date=27 November 2025 |title=Hong Kong's Worst Fire in Generations Fuels Scrutiny of Safety Lapses |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/world/asia/hong-kong-fire-tai-po-apartment-buildings.html |access-date=27 November 2025 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref><ref name="RTHK-2025a">{{Cite web |title=Tai Po fire deaths rise to 128 as rescue ends |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1833752-20251128.htm |website=[[RTHK]] |access-date=30 November 2025 |language=en-gb |date=28 November 2025 |archive-date=14 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214153126/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1833752-20251128.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> * The construction safety netting and waterproof [[tarpaulin]]s on the building's exterior were alleged to have not met the fire-resistance standards.<ref name="RTHK-2025" /><ref name="CNA x205"/> However, preliminary investigation and test results indicated that the scaffolding and the netting used on the building met fire-retardant requirements.<ref>{{Cite news |title=大埔宏福苑五級火｜鄧炳強：棚網初步化驗達阻燃要求發泡膠令火勢迅速蔓延消防指火警鐘不能有效操作 |url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20251128/s00001/1764314514408/大埔宏福苑五級火-鄧炳強-棚網初步化驗達阻燃要求-發泡膠令火勢迅速蔓延-消防指火警鐘不能有效操作 |work=[[Ming Pao]] |date=28 November 2025 |trans-title=Tai Po Hung Fuk Court Fire Level 5 {{!}} Multiple Housing Estates Immediately Demolish Sheds, Causing Anxiety Among Residents: "We Really Don't Dare to Live Here" |archive-date=11 December 2025 |access-date=7 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211045805/https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20251128/s00001/1764314514408/大埔宏福苑五級火-鄧炳強-棚網初步化驗達阻燃要求-發泡膠令火勢迅速蔓延-消防指火警鐘不能有效操作 |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite this, at high temperature, the netting could still be set ablaze.<ref name="RTHK-2025a" /> Further testing on the netting was done as initial testing was not congruent with firefighters' observations, and the additional tests revealed seven of 20 samples did not pass fire safety tests.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/12/01/breaking-unsafe-construction-netting-found-at-tai-po-fire-site-13-arrests-for-alleged-manslaughter/ |title=Unsafe construction netting found at Tai Po fire site, 13 arrests for alleged manslaughter – officials |last=Leung |first=Hillary |date=1 December 2025 |work=Hong Kong Free Press}}</ref> Some of the samples that failed were located at hard to reach areas, thereby hiding them from inspectors who did the regular inspections.<ref name="Jim-2025" /> To mislead inspectors, fire-resistant netting was only placed at the base of the scaffolding, where samples are usually taken.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Stevenson |first1=Alexandra |first2=Joy |last2=Dong |last3=Gebrekidan |first3=Selam |date=1 December 2025 |title=Hong Kong Contractors Used Unsafe Netting at Fire Site, Officials Say |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/01/world/asia/hong-kong-fire.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=1 December 2025}}</ref> * Investigations of the fire alarms in the eight buildings revealed that they were faulty. The systems were powered on but no alarms sounded.<ref name="RTHK-2025a" />

Eileen Chung, a senior superintendent of the police, stated that they had reason to believe the contractor responsible had been "[[Gross negligence|grossly negligent]]", which resulted in the incident and allowed the fire to spread uncontrollably, leading to significant casualties.<ref name="CNA x205">{{cite web |title=Hong Kong fire: Three men from construction company arrested for manslaughter |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/hong-kong-fire-wang-fuk-court-tai-po-arrests-construction-police-scaffolding-5492681 |publisher=[[CNA (TV network)|CNA]] |date=27 November 2025 |access-date=27 November 2025 |archive-date=27 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251127042104/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/hong-kong-fire-wang-fuk-court-tai-po-arrests-construction-police-scaffolding-5492681 |url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="bbc_c2emg1kj1klt" />

On 14 January 2026, during the opening of the [[8th Legislative Council of Hong Kong|8th Legislative Council]], Chief Executive [[John Lee Ka-chiu]] made an unprecedented appearance and promised to hold everyone responsible accountable. He announced that police had as of then arrested 22 people, with 16 being suspected of manslaughter, and the ICAC had arrested 14 on suspicion of corruption.<ref name="Tse" />

===Independent Committee=== On 2 December 2025, John Lee announced the establishment of an Independent Committee to review and examine the causes of the fire, the reasons for its rapid spread, and related issues. He also stated that the government would liaise with the judiciary and invite a judge to chair the committee and to study its detailed terms of reference.<ref>{{cite news |title=大埔宏福苑五級火｜李家超：成立由法官主持的「獨立委員會」審視火災原因和相關問題 |url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20251202/s00001/1764640638661/大埔宏福苑五級火-李家超-成立由法官主持的「獨立委員會」審視火災原因和相關問題 |access-date=2 December 2025 |website=明報新聞網 |date=2 December 2025}}</ref> Unlike a "[[Commissions of Inquiry in Hong Kong|Commission of Inquiry]]", which is vested with statutory powers, an "Independent Committee" has no statutory authority.<ref>{{cite news |title=香港宏福苑大火：兩字之差的「獨立委員會」能否滿足訴求？ |url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/articles/clyz14q7g89o/trad |access-date=5 December 2025 |publisher=BBC |date=5 December 2025 |archive-date=7 February 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260207174702/https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/articles/clyz14q7g89o/trad |url-status=live}}</ref> Its mode of operation is similar to the review committees set up after the [[2003 Tuen Mun Road bus accident]] and the [[2018 Hong Kong bus accident|2018 Tai Po Road bus accident]].<ref>{{cite news |title=宏福苑五級火｜政府：獨立委員會運作與 2018 年大埔車禍類似獨立調查委員會具法定權力一文睇清兩者差異｜Yahoo |url=https://hk.news.yahoo.com/宏福苑五級火｜政府：獨立委員會運作與-2018-年大埔車禍類似-獨立調查委員會具法定權力-一文睇清兩者差異｜yahoo |access-date=2 December 2025 |website=雅虎香港 |date=1 December 2025 |archive-date=27 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251227155843/https://hk.news.yahoo.com/宏福苑五級火｜政府：獨立委員會運作與-2018-年大埔車禍類似-獨立調查委員會具法定權力-一文睇清兩者差異｜yahoo |url-status=live}}</ref> Judge {{ill|David Lok|zh|陸啟康}} was appointed to chair the committee, which held its first public meeting on 5 February 2026.<ref name="Leung"/>

In March 2026, some residents testified that that DAB district councillor [[Peggy Wong]] may have been involved in securing "shady" proxy votes so that the construction firm would win the contract.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tse |first=Hans |date=2026-03-27 |title=Fresh scrutiny for Peggy Wong as resident slams ‘shady’ tendering |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2026/03/27/hong-kong-politician-faces-fresh-scrutiny-as-resident-of-fire-hit-tai-po-estate-slams-shady-renovation-tendering-process/ |access-date=2026-04-21 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Aftermath== Multiple music events scheduled in Hong Kong for the weekend of 28 November were cancelled or postponed due to the fire, including concerts by [[Constance Chan]], [[Shino Lin]], and [[Ken Hung]]. [[Miriam Yeung]]'s concert series, scheduled to begin on 29 November, was scaled down with all [[Pyrotechnics|pyrotechnic]] effects removed. Yeung also pledged her first-night proceeds and all merchandise profits towards the disaster response.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=Tai Po tragic fire prompts citywide event delays; Miriam Yeung to donate show earnings |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/317969/Tai-Po-tragic-fire-prompts-citywide-event-delays-Miriam-Yeung-to-donate-show-earnings |access-date=28 November 2025 |work=[[The Standard (Hong Kong)|The Standard]] |language=en-UK |archive-date=5 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205150334/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hk-and-china-showbiz/article/317969/Tai-Po-tragic-fire-prompts-citywide-event-delays-Miriam-Yeung-to-donate-show-earnings |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Disney]] cancelled the 27 November gala premiere for ''[[Zootopia 2]]'' at [[Hong Kong Disneyland]] along with the theme park's nightly [[fireworks show]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Nolfi |first=Joey |date=27 November 2025 |title=Disney cancels Zootopia 2 premiere 'out of respect' amid massive, deadly Hong Kong apartment fires |url=https://ew.com/disney-cancels-zootopia-2-premiere-hong-kong-fire-11858480 |access-date=28 November 2025 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |language=en-US}}</ref>

Several sporting events were also cancelled, including the [[Oxfam Trailwalker]], the [[Hong Kong Cyclothon]] and several matches by the [[Hong Kong China Rugby Union]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 November 2025 |title=Cyclothon cancelled, Oxfam Trailwalker, rugby matches in Hong Kong called off |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3334307/oxfam-trailwaker-cancelled-questions-over-cyclothon-hong-kong-reels-fire-deaths |access-date=28 November 2025 |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |language=en-UK |archive-date=28 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251128003450/https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3334307/oxfam-trailwaker-cancelled-questions-over-cyclothon-hong-kong-reels-fire-deaths |url-status=live}}</ref> The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced that the scheduled [[Horse racing|horse races]] on 30 November were to be held [[Behind closed doors (sport)|behind closed doors]] and all the gross incomes, which amounted to {{HKDConvert|70.2|m}}, were donated to the government support fund in addition to the {{HKDConvert|100|m}} HKJC donated previously.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Club donates all gross income from closed-door race meeting to Government's Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po |date=30 November 2025 |publisher=Hong Kong Jockey Club |url=https://corporate.hkjc.com/corporate/corporate-news/english/2025-11/news_2025113001926.aspx |access-date=8 December 2025 |archive-date=5 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205024844/https://corporate.hkjc.com/corporate/corporate-news/english/2025-11/news_2025113001926.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=28 November 2025 |title=Hong Kong horse racing to fall silent after deadly blaze |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kong-horse-racing-to-fall-silent-after-deadly-blaze |access-date=8 December 2025 |work=The Straits Times |language=en |issn=0585-3923 |archive-date=12 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251212144109/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kong-horse-racing-to-fall-silent-after-deadly-blaze |url-status=live}}</ref> The torch relay and opening ceremony for the [[2025 National Games for Persons with Disabilities of China|12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities of China]], originally scheduled for 29 November and 8 December respectively, were cancelled, with a simplified closing event postponed to 15 December after the conclusion of all competitions.<ref>{{cite news |date=28 November 2025 |title=Torch relay and opening ceremony for China's National Games for Persons with Disabilities canceled |url=https://english.news.cn/20251128/dd2f13cae6d6427bb41ab88addd48095/c.html |access-date=29 November 2025 |agency=Xinhua News Agency}}</ref>

=== Public petition and "national security" crackdowns === [[Miles Kwan]], a 24-year-old [[Chinese University of Hong Kong]] (CUHK) student, launched a public petition, calling for an [[Commissions of Inquiry in Hong Kong|independent Commission of Inquiry]] into the fire, construction supervision review, government accountability, and support for affected residents.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/12/24/chinese-university-of-hong-kong-college-student-unions-suspend-operations-over-schools-recognition/ |title=Chinese University of Hong Kong college student unions suspend operations over school's recognition |first=James |last=Lee |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]] |date=24 December 2025 |access-date=24 December 2025}}</ref><ref name="SCMP-2025c" /> Kwan was arrested on 29 November<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2025 |title=Hong Kong man arrested for alleged sedition in relation to fatal Tai Po blaze |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/30/hong-kong-man-arrested-for-alleged-sedition-in-relation-to-fatal-tai-po-blaze/ |access-date=30 November 2025 |website=[[Hong Kong Free Press]]}}</ref> by the [[National Security Department]] (NSD) on suspicion of [[sedition|seditious intent]], and released after two nights on bail.<ref name="guardian_20260213">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/13/university-expels-student-who-called-for-accountability-over-hong-kong-fire-miles-kwan |title=University expels student who called for accountability over Hong Kong fire |work=[[The Guardian]] |agency=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]] |date=13 February 2026 |access-date=19 February 2026}}</ref> Kwan's petition accumulated over 10,000 signatures before being deleted from social media.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2025 |title=香港惡火發起4大訴求連署被帶走大學生曾為六四發聲 |url=https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/5262731 |access-date=30 November 2025 |website=[[Liberty Times]] |archive-date=30 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251130043539/https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/5262731 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="scmp_20251129">{{Cite web |last1=Lin |first1=Edith |last2=Ma |first2=Jess |date=29 November 2025 |title=Man arrested for alleged sedition in Hong Kong amid scrutiny of fire response |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3334640/hong-kongs-national-security-police-question-man-over-fire-response-petition |access-date=1 December 2025 |work=[[South China Morning Post]] |archive-date=1 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201143659/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3334640/hong-kongs-national-security-police-question-man-over-fire-response-petition |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2025 |title='Very basic demands': Hong Kong student's calls for accountability over lethal Tai Po fire silenced |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/30/very-basic-demands-hong-kong-students-calls-for-accountability-over-lethal-tai-po-fire-silenced/ |access-date=30 November 2025 |website=[[Hong Kong Free Press]]}}</ref> Another petition was launched by a Tai Po resident living overseas on the same platform after the original one was closed, with the same four demands.<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 November 2025 |title=Anger mounts in Hong Kong over apartment fires as Beijing warns against 'anti-China disruptors' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2025/nov/30/anger-mounts-in-hong-kong-over-apartment-fires-as-beijing-warns-against-anti-china-disruptors |access-date=30 November 2025 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Kwan was expelled from CUHK in February 2026 after a disciplinary review, which had commenced after he had been released from bail; a letter from the university cited "multiple acts of misconduct" as reason.<ref name="guardian_20260213"/> Subsequently, a petition calling for CUHK to reinstate Miles Kwan and acknowledge that a disciplinary hearing held on January 7 was invalid garnered over 1,000 signatures from students, staff, and alumni.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=James |date=2026-02-23 |title=1,000 petition to reinstate CUHK student expelled following nat. sec arrest |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2026/02/23/1000-cuhk-students-staff-and-alumni-petition-to-reinstate-student-expelled-following-nat-sec-arrest/ |access-date=2026-03-24 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Several others have been arrested under the sedition offense in relation to the fire.<ref name="TaiPo">{{Cite news |date=4 December 2025 |title=Hong Kong YouTuber arrested for sedition over 'depraved' Tai Po fire remarks – reports |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/12/04/hong-kong-youtuber-arrested-for-sedition-over-depraved-tai-po-fire-remarks-reports/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press}}</ref> {{ill|Kenneth Cheung Kam-hung|zh|張錦雄}}, a former [[Tuen Mun District Council]]lor, along with a volunteer who was helping outside the scene, were arrested on 30 November by national security police for "inciting discord through comments".<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 November 2025 |title=National security police arrest former district councillor, volunteer over Tai Po fire comments |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/hong-kong-news/article/318172/ |access-date=1 December 2025 |work=[[The Standard (Hong Kong)|The Standard]]}}</ref> A 26-year-old [[YouTuber]], {{ill|Kenny Chan|yue|Kenny (KOL)}}, was arrested for acting with seditious intention after making 'depraved' comments about the fire and its victims.<ref name="TaiPo" /><ref name="SCMP-2025d">{{Cite web |date=3 December 2025 |title=Brief return to fire-hit Hong Kong estate for some residents – as it happened |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334969/residents-block-return-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-estate-collect-personal-items |access-date=5 December 2025 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=5 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205022941/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3334969/residents-block-return-fire-ravaged-hong-kong-estate-collect-personal-items |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Bruce Liu (politician)|Bruce Liu]] and Howard Lee, chair and vice-chair of the pro-democracy political party [[Hong Kong Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood|Association for Democracy and People's Livelihood]], had to cancel a press conference scheduled to discuss high-rise building maintenance policy after they were brought away by NSD officers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=James |date=2 December 2025 |title=Hong Kong solicitor taken in by nat. sec police, as civic press event on deadly Tai Po blaze axed |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/12/02/hong-kong-solicitor-taken-in-by-nat-sec-police-as-civic-press-event-on-deadly-tai-po-blaze-axed/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press}}</ref> It was also reported that commentators from both pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps were approached by security police after making comments online on the fire.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025}}

Beijing's [[Office for Safeguarding National Security]] issued a statement warning against "anti-China and ill-intentioned individuals" attempting to exploit the tragedy to cause unrest and political instability.<ref name="scmp_20251129" /> The office also summoned representatives and journalists from several foreign media outlets, including ''[[The New York Times]]'', to warn them to avoid negative coverage of the Hong Kong government's response.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 December 2025 |title=China's National Security Office in Hong Kong Summons Foreign Journalists |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/06/world/asia/hong-kong-fire-media-national-security.html |access-date=6 December 2025 |work=[[The New York Times]] |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pierson |first=David |date=7 December 2025 |title=Hong Kong Holds Vote as Officials Move Against 'Anti-China' Elements |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/world/asia/hong-kong-fire-election-campaign.html |work=The New York Times}}</ref> What coverage prompted the warning was not specified.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 December 2025 |title=Hong Kong Authorities Summon Foreign Media to Criticize Fire Coverage |url=https://www.wsj.com/world/china/hong-kong-national-security-authorities-summon-foreign-media-over-fire-coverage-e8d4052b |access-date=11 December 2025 |website=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=7 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251207132747/https://www.wsj.com/world/china/hong-kong-national-security-authorities-summon-foreign-media-over-fire-coverage-e8d4052b |url-status=live}}</ref> John Lee also criticised those "exploiting" the fire and "sabotaging" society's effort to support the victims, adding that the government would not tolerate such behaviours.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tse |first=Hans |date=2 December 2025 |title=Those who 'exploit' deadly Tai Po fire will be punished, Hong Kong leader says after sedition arrests |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/12/02/those-who-exploit-deadly-tai-po-fire-will-be-punished-hong-kong-leader-says-after-sedition-arrests/}}</ref> Meanwhile, [[Amnesty International]] called on authorities to "transparently investigate the causes of the devastating fire... rather than silencing those who ask legitimate questions".<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Tan |first1=Yvette |date=2 December 2025 |title=Hong Kong leader orders investigation into deadly fire that killed 151 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8ng18p7v3o |access-date=2 December 2025 |publisher=[[BBC]] |archive-date=2 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251202062104/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8ng18p7v3o |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 2 December, messages appeared on the notice-board of the [[Hong Kong Baptist University]] student union calling for the government to be receptive and respond to public demands for justice. The wall was later blocked off with barricades by university security personnel. The union was subsequently suspended by the university administration.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 December 2025 |title=Hong Kong student union suspended over calls for justice for fire victims |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/5/hong-kong-student-union-suspended-over-calls-for-justice-for-fire-victims |access-date=7 December 2025 |publisher=[[Al Jazeera]] |archive-date=5 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205104045/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/5/hong-kong-student-union-suspended-over-calls-for-justice-for-fire-victims |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== City-wide inspections and proposed regulations === On 27 November, the government announced that the [[Buildings Department]] and the [[Labour Department (Hong Kong)|Labour Department]] would inspect all housing estates undergoing "major repairs" and examine the [[scaffolding]] and building materials.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8e5j20g27o |title='This was preventable': Anger and unanswered questions after Hong Kong fire |first1=Ewe |last1=Koh |first2=Kelly |last2=Ng |work=[[BBC News]] |date=27 November 2025 |access-date=30 November 2025 |archive-date=29 November 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251129181306/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8e5j20g27o |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[safety net]]s on the scaffolding were immediately removed from many residential buildings in several districts following the fire disaster.<ref>{{cite news |last1=謝 |first1=茜嘉 |script-title=zh:有地盤急拆網石籬居民實測燒棚網：越燒越快 |url=https://www.hk01.com/article/60298236?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=HK01 |date=27 November 2025 |language=zh-Hant}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=多個屋苑立即拆棚網住戶感焦慮：真的不敢住 |url=https://www.i-cable.com/新聞資訊/414437 |access-date=27 November 2025 |work=[[i-CABLE News Channel (Hong Kong)|i-CABLE News Channel]] |date=27 November 2025 |language=zh-Hant}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |title=葵涌及黃埔有大維修屋苑今拆棚網網民：琴日唔拆依家先嚟拆 |url=https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20251127/bkn-20251127133143526-1127_00822_001.html |access-date=27 November 2025 |agency=on.cc東網 |date=27 November 2025 |location=香港 |language=zh-hk |archive-date=1 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251201153737/https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20251127/bkn-20251127133143526-1127_00822_001.html |url-status=live}}</ref> By 28 November, 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.<ref name="SCMP-2025b" /> The Labour Department also initiated a territory-wide special enforcement operation on 29 November to inspect fire protection facilities at building repair worksites featuring large [[bamboo scaffolding]] structures. By 30 November 46 sites had been inspected, resulting in 39 written warnings and two improvement notices being issued to contractors and site supervisors.<ref name="TVB News-2025">{{Cite web |date=29 November 2025 |title=Structural inspection of two Wang Fuk Court blocks completed |url=https://news.tvb.com/tc/pearlnews/692befdae43529412953efd3/TVBNews-StructuralinspectionoftwoWangFukCourtblockscompleted |access-date=1 December 2025 |work=TVB News |archive-date=18 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251218013325/https://news.tvb.com/tc/pearlnews/692befdae43529412953efd3/TVBNews-StructuralinspectionoftwoWangFukCourtblockscompleted |url-status=live}}</ref> The Buildings Department confirmed it had suspended work at 28 sites where Prestige was the registered contractor due to a lack of confidence in Prestige's ability to ensure safety. It also suspended work at two other sites after finding plastic sheets covering the windows.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ho |first=Kelly |date=30 November 2025 |title=Hong Kong's Buildings Department suspends 30 construction projects after deadly Tai Po fire |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/30/hong-kongs-buildings-department-suspends-30-construction-projects-after-deadly-tai-po-fire/ |access-date=4 December 2025 |work=[[Hong Kong Free Press]]}}</ref>

Residents across the city were also increasingly concerned about their own building renovation works. Residents of the [[Sui Wo Court]] in [[Fo Tan]] conducted tests on their own initiative on their protective netting and other construction materials.<ref>{{Cite news |title=大埔宏福苑五級火︱有人打火機測試火炭穗禾苑外牆棚網質疑易燃 |url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20251127/s00001/1764231626008/大埔宏福苑五級火-有人打火機測試火炭穗禾苑外牆棚網質疑易燃 |work=[[Ming Pao]] |date=27 November 2025 |archive-date=10 December 2025 |access-date=7 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251210100336/https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20251127/s00001/1764231626008/大埔宏福苑五級火-有人打火機測試火炭穗禾苑外牆棚網質疑易燃 |url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, the Sui Wo Court Owners' Incorporation and the maintenance contractor sent personnel to inspect the materials and held an emergency residents' meeting.<ref>{{Cite news |script-title=zh:宏福苑大火｜穗禾苑200人開緊急大會難掩激動質問拆棚等問題 |url=https://www.hk01.com/article/60298449 |work=HK01 |date=27 November 2025 |access-date=28 November 2025 |language=zh-Hant |last=凌 |first=逸德}}</ref><ref name="Tse-2025">{{Cite news |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2025/11/28/residents-at-hong-kong-estates-undergoing-repairs-fear-repeat-of-deadly-tai-po-fire/ |title=Residents at Hong Kong estates undergoing repairs fear repeat of deadly Tai Po fire |last=Tse |first=Hans |date=28 November 2025 |website=Hong Kong Free Press}}</ref> The management of Elegance Gardens in [[Tuen Mun]] warned its residents against conducting their own tests and said their contractor, incidentally also Prestige Construction and Engineering Company, had submitted a [[flame retardant]] test report for the netting. A later test conducted by management found the materials to be vulnerable.<ref name="Tse-2025" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=大埔宏福苑五級火｜屯門怡樂花園居民剪網試燒管業處：已報警 |url=https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20251127/s00001/1764258640076/大埔宏福苑五級火-屯門怡樂花園居民剪網試燒-管業處-已報警 |work=[[Ming Pao]] |date=28 November 2025 |location=香港 |language=zh-hk |archive-date=14 December 2025 |access-date=7 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251214061221/https://news.mingpao.com/ins/港聞/article/20251127/s00001/1764258640076/大埔宏福苑五級火-屯門怡樂花園居民剪網試燒-管業處-已報警 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 3 December, Secretary for Development [[Bernadette Linn]] announced that over 200 construction sites were ordered to remove existing scaffolding mesh within three days. The safety netting at over 300 buildings were inspected; samples were collected at different heights of the scaffolding.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 December 2025 |title=Hong Kong orders removal of scaffolding mesh after deadly blaze |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62lv79p0pdo |access-date=5 December 2025 |publisher=BBC |language=en-GB |archive-date=5 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251205002602/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62lv79p0pdo |url-status=live}}</ref> Authorities are investigating a [[Shandong]]-based company for presenting falsified safety documentations for its construction safety nettings, which were used at two locations in Hong Kong.<ref name="SCMP-2025d" />

On 14 January 2026, Secretary for Labour and Welfare [[Chris Sun]] announced that the government would ban smoking at all construction sites in the city, instead of requiring fire risk assessments to issue bans. Sun also said that the materials in [[toe board]]s used on scaffolding, which was in this case possibly flammable, would also be regulated.<ref name="Tse">{{cite news |last=Tse |first=Hans |date=14 January 2026 |title=Hong Kong gov't to propose blanket smoking ban at construction sites after deadly Tai Po fire |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2026/01/14/hong-kong-govt-to-propose-blanket-smoking-ban-at-construction-sites-after-deadly-tai-po-fire/ |access-date=14 January 2026 |newspaper=[[Hong Kong Free Press]]}}</ref>

=== Residents and management of Wang Fuk Court === The Housing Bureau completed structural inspections of six of the eight residential blocks by 30 November, finding no immediate structural danger to the buildings overall. However, a small number of units in Wang Yan House and Wang Tao House required temporary structural reinforcement. A second phase of inspections involving concrete core sample extraction was planned to comprehensively assess internal structural damage caused by the extreme temperatures reached during the fire.<ref name="TVB News-2025" /> On 3 and 4 December, residents of the unaffected Wang Chi House were allowed to return and retrieve personal items and valuables from 09:00 to 21:00.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wang Chi House residents return for personal items |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1834371-20251203.htm |access-date=4 December 2025 |website=RTHK |language=en-gb |archive-date=8 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251208143122/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1834371-20251203.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>

On 19 December 2025, the government announced that it would apply to the [[Lands Tribunal (Hong Kong)|Lands Tribunal]] to dissolve the existing management committee of the complex and replace it with a new provisional administrator, [[Chinachem]] Group's Hop On Management, to oversee the property to professionally manage the follow-up work required from the renovations, insurance claims, and estate's maintenance and security.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 December 2025 |title=Hong Kong fire: authorities seek to dissolve Wang Fuk Court owners' committee |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337085/hong-kong-fire-authorities-seek-dissolve-wang-fuk-court-owners-committee |access-date=22 December 2025 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en |archive-date=19 December 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251219102209/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3337085/hong-kong-fire-authorities-seek-dissolve-wang-fuk-court-owners-committee |url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also== {{Portal|Hong Kong|China|Asia|Architecture}} * [[List of building or structure fires]] * [[List of fires in high-rise buildings]]

==Notes== {{Notelist}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * {{Commons category-inline}}

[[Category:2025 disasters in China]] [[Category:2025 fires in Asia]] [[Category:2025 in Hong Kong]] [[Category:Articles containing video clips]] [[Category:Building and structure fires during construction or renovation]] [[Category:Censorship in Hong Kong]] [[Category:Fires in Hong Kong]] [[Category:High-rise fires in China]] [[Category:Man-made disasters in Hong Kong]] [[Category:November 2025 in China]] [[Category:Residential building fires in China]] [[Category:Tai Po District]]