Intense 550-degree blaze at Hong Kong warehouse set to burn ‘for some time’
Fire at warehouse in Tin Shui Wai covers an area of 200 metres by 200 metres, with more than 200 people forced to flee the scene
An intense blaze that started around lunchtime on Tuesday at a Hong Kong warehouse is expected to burn for some time, firefighters have said, with temperatures nearing 550 degrees Celsius (1,022 Fahrenheit) and at least two people sent to hospital.
Authorities said more than 200 people were evacuated or forced to run for safety when the blaze broke out on Ha Tsuen Road in Tin Shui Wai at 12.40pm. It was upgraded to a No 3 alarm fire less than an hour later at 1.33pm.
“The fire is intense, covering an area of 200 metres [656 feet] by 200 metres, with temperatures reaching nearly 550 degrees Celsius,” a Fire Services Department spokesman said.
Six teams of responders wearing breathing apparatus and six water jets were deployed to fight the blaze, with the operation involving about 430 firefighters and paramedics.
Firefighters were forced to use more than 300 metres of hosepipe to ensure each water jet had access to water.
Authorities had also deployed a drone for aerial reconnaissance of the scene, the spokesman said, adding that firefighting robots were also being used to help put out the blaze.
“It’s estimated that firefighting efforts will continue for some time,” he added.
“Residents affected by smoke and odours carried by the wind are advised to close their windows and doors, and remain calm.”