Massive Fire Engulfs High-Rise Housing Complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po, Four Dead, Residents Trapped

In a devastating incident on Wednesday afternoon, a fierce fire tore through multiple high-rise towers in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, trapping residents and claiming at least four lives. The blaze rapidly spread across bamboo scaffolding surrounding the buildings, sending up towering flames and thick columns of black smoke that could be seen for miles. As firefighters battled intensely to control the inferno, authorities raised the emergency to a No. 4 alarm—the second-highest classification in Hong Kong’s fire response system—highlighting the severity of the situation.​

The Scale and Location of the Fire

The fire broke out at around 2:51 pm local time in the Wang Fuk Court residential estate, comprising eight towers and nearly 2,000 housing units. Located in the New Territories on the northern edge of Hong Kong near Shenzhen, Tai Po is a densely populated area with tightly packed apartment blocks. The presence of traditional bamboo scaffolding on many of the buildings as part of ongoing renovations contributed to the fire’s rapid spread, turning the scaffolds into a flammable conduit for the flames.

Live video footage captured the dramatic scenes of green scaffolding mesh catching fire, collapsing, and drifting in the wind as smoke surged heavily from the towers. Residents and bystanders watched anxiously from nearby elevated walkways as thick smoke blanketed the area while firefighters deployed ladder trucks and hoses to douse the burning scaffoldings and affected balconies.​​

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Tragically, the fire has claimed at least four lives, including reports that one of the deceased may be a firefighter who was engaged in the rescue effort. Several other individuals suffered injuries, with two confirmed to be in critical condition due to severe burns. Authorities also reported some firefighters sustained injuries while combating the blaze.​

Local police and fire services have been engaged in an all-out rescue operation to evacuate residents trapped inside the 31-story towers. The exact number of people still trapped remains unclear and rescue teams continue to conduct thorough searches as they attempt to extinguish hot spots and assess structural integrity. Emergency vehicles and ambulances were seen concentrated outside the buildings, and section closures of Tai Po Road have rerouted traffic as safety measures.​

The Role of Bamboo Scaffolding and Renovation Risks

Bamboo scaffolding remains a common sight in Hong Kong’s construction and renovation sectors despite government efforts to phase it out over safety concerns. Bamboo is cheap and flexible, but highly flammable, and the fire department has noted that scaffolding can substantially accelerate fire spread when not properly managed.

Earlier in 2025, Hong Kong authorities declared plans to discontinue bamboo scaffolding on public projects and encourage safer alternatives. However, many private projects continue to use such scaffolds, as was the case at Wang Fuk Court at the time of the fire. Investigations are underway to understand the exact cause of the blaze and whether fire prevention standards were met on the site.​

Wider Implications

The Tai Po fire serves as a grim reminder of the fire risks inherent in densely populated urban centers with aging infrastructure and extensive renovation activity. It raises renewed calls for stricter fire safety regulations, building inspections, and the expedited phaseout of risky construction materials like bamboo scaffolding.

As Hong Kong continues to grow vertically, safeguarding residents in high-rise complexes through technological, regulatory, and urban planning improvements remains a pressing challenge.

Community and Government Response

In the aftermath of the fire, the Hong Kong government and community organizations have mobilized support for displaced residents and the injured. Temporary shelters, medical aid, and counseling services are being arranged. Fire department officials have called for calm and assured the public of their full commitment to extinguishing the blaze and bringing all trapped residents to safety.

The Chief Executive of Hong Kong has pledged a thorough investigation and has expressed condolences to the families of those killed. Public warnings have been issued urging citizens to avoid the affected area and cooperate with authorities during rescue operations.

Conclusion

The massive fire at Hong Kong’s Tai Po district is a tragic event highlighting the vulnerabilities of high-density urban housing amidst ongoing construction. With several people still trapped and four confirmed dead, the emergency response continues under difficult conditions exacerbated by the common yet hazardous use of bamboo scaffolding.

As the city mourns the victims and supports affected families, authorities reaffirm the need for enhanced fire safety standards and a re-examination of building practices to prevent such disasters in the future.

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