Hong Kong Fire: 36 Dead, 279 Missing in Devastating Tai Po Blaze
A catastrophic Hong Kong fire ripped through a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, claiming at least 36 lives. Another 279 people are currently missing following this devastating Tai Po blaze. This is the city’s deadliest fire in decades. The blaze occurred on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
Residential Fire Engulfs Building
The fire started at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate. This complex has eight residential blocks, each a 31-storey tower. Many residents are elderly. The estate was built in the 1980s and houses nearly 2,000 apartments, with approximately 4,800 people living there. The scale of this Hong Kong fire is unprecedented.
Rapid Spread Fueled by Scaffolding in Tai Po Blaze
Flames ignited on external bamboo scaffolding, a common feature in Hong Kong that has sadly contributed to this significant Hong Kong fire. The fire then spread rapidly across multiple buildings. Windy conditions also likely aided the spread. The buildings were undergoing major renovations, raising serious building safety concerns. The government had planned to phase out such scaffolding, but this tragic residential fire underscores the urgency.
Emergency Response to the Hong Kong Fire
The fire department received numerous calls for help during the Hong Kong fire. It was quickly upgraded to a Level 5 alarm, the highest severity rating. Hundreds of firefighters responded, deploying over 140 fire trucks and 60 ambulances. Conditions were extremely challenging for crews, with debris and scaffolding falling, and dangerously high temperatures inside the burning structures. The emergency response faced immense difficulties due to the scale of the Hong Kong fire.
At least 36 people died in this horrific Hong Kong fire. Nine were pronounced dead at the scene. Four more died after reaching the hospital. Among the deceased was a 37-year-old firefighter, a tragic firefighter casualty. Another firefighter received treatment for heat exhaustion. At least 29 people were hospitalized, with seven in critical condition [cite: initial context, 3]. The search for missing persons continues.
Fire Investigation into the Deadliest Fire
The cause of the Hong Kong fire is under investigation. Officials suspect it started on the external scaffolding. Renovation work, materials, and ignition sources are being examined as part of the fire investigation. Police and the Fire Services Department formed a dedicated team. This tragic event, highlighting the dangers of a scaffolding fire, is now global news and sadly ranks as the deadliest fire in recent memory. It highlights ongoing building safety concerns and the devastating impact of a major Hong Kong fire.
Trending discussions about building safety are expected to intensify following this catastrophic Hong Kong fire. This news is currently developing and will be updated as more information becomes available regarding the fire investigation and the fate of the missing persons.
