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Fire Services Department ( Hong Kong)

The latest news and top stories on the Fire Services Department in Hong Kong. A prominent Hong Kong-based governmental body, the Fire Services Department (HKFSD) is dedicated to protecting life and property from fire and other calamities. Its main areas of focus include fire suppression and rescue services on land and sea, fire protection and prevention and emergency ambulance services. The HKFSD also advises the public on fire safety and enforces related regulations. Established in 1868, it is recognised as one of the world’s busiest fire brigades, committed to community safety and continuous operational improvement.

Wang Fuk Court is engulfed in flames on November 26 last year. Photo: Karma Lo

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Changes to fire services law with tougher penalties set for public consultation

Security Bureau to submit amendments, including requirement fire alarms be checked every six months, to lawmakers early next month.

24 Apr 2026 - 11:12PM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Departments must communicate better, fire chief tells Tai Po blaze hearing

24 Apr 2026 - 9:00PM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong fire services declined Tai Po alert over confusion fears, inquiry hears

23 Apr 2026 - 5:04PMvideocam

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po fire probe: no emergency alert sent over fears of unpredictable responses

Judge David Lok urges distinction between firefighting and fire prevention, says officers at the scene had to make many difficult decisions.

23 Apr 2026 - 2:09PM

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

‘Regulatory vacuum’: Hong Kong fire probe reveals confusion over safety roles

Testimony by fire services officials shows departments split over handling complaints on Wang Fuk Court renovations.

22 Apr 2026 - 11:52PM

Crime in Hong Kong

Hong Kong to scrap fax messaging between police and fire services for emergencies

Security chief Chris Tang says system to be digitised after Tai Po fire inquiry reveals use of fax for sharing emergency appeals gathered online.

17 Apr 2026 - 11:00PM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po blaze: official defends refusing mainland Chinese firefighters’ help

Mainland counterparts may not have adapted to local environment nor communicated effectively, Hong Kong fire services officer says at hearing.

15 Apr 2026 - 10:40PM

Teams of firefighters battling the blaze in Tai Po on the night of November 26. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Firefighters prioritised tackling blaze over rescues, Tai Po probe hears

‘If you cannot put out the fire, how can you save those trapped inside?’ commander tells committee investigating Wang Fuk Court disaster.

13 Apr 2026 - 7:54PM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Tai Po blaze: no fire risk checks done for HK$336 million estate renovation

Authorities did not pay special attention to fire hazards at residential estates undergoing large-scale maintenance before deadly fire, official says.

10 Apr 2026 - 10:02PM

Hong Kong society

7 injured, 4 critically, in fire at Hong Kong recycling yard

Bright orange flames and thick black smoke seen at Tai Po site after blast.

26 Mar 2026 - 10:35PM

The fire erupted at a site at the intersection of Ting Kok Road and Fung Yuen Road in Tai Po. Photo: Handout

Accidents and personal safety

2 women climb out of window to flee Hong Kong building fire that injured 3 others

Police say they were alerted at 5.28pm of blaze at Yen Dack Building on Chun Yeung Street in North Point.

22 Mar 2026 - 10:39PM

Two residents escaped the fire by climbing down the block. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Residents of Tai Po blaze building misled over renovation project, inquiry told

Ties among companies bidding for work at Wang Fuk Court also suggest possible under-the-table relationships, independent committee hears.

20 Mar 2026 - 11:46PM

Hong Kong fires and safety

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

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

2 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

Hong Kong society

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

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

25 Feb 2026 - 1:12AM

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

Hong Kong society

Letters | How Tai Po fire exposed weakness in Hong Kong contract governance

Readers call for steps to improve procurement and contract oversight, official accountability for lapses that led to the tragedy, and appreciation for donor generosity.

10 Dec 2025 - 11:30AM

Volunteers sit in front of the flowers left by mourners for the victims of a deadly fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, on December 8. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

‘Darkest corner’: firefighters haunted by Hong Kong blaze but vow to keep serving

Firefighters recount extreme challenges of operation at Wang Fuk Court, with some struggling emotionally after finding so many bodies.

5 Dec 2025 - 10:37AM

Hong Kong society

Letters | Commercialisation of Hong Kong’s public venues must come with a caveat

Readers discuss the government’s bid to open up underused public venues, call for a Firefighters’ Day, and take issue with the sensationalisation of news.

4 Dec 2025 - 11:30AM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

‘Our spirit is tougher’: Hong Kong fire survivor’s ordeal and rescue

After hours trapped in the deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze, resident William Li recounts the desperate rescue of himself and two neighbours.

29 Nov 2025 - 9:40AM

The frightening scene in William Li’s flat. Photo: William Li

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Video | Hongkongers rally to support those affected by Tai Po housing estate fire

Volunteers offered food, supplies, services and their time to help people affected by the deadly blaze at Wang Fuk Court.

28 Nov 2025 - 6:15PM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Video | Memorials for ‘superhero’ firefighter who lost life in Hong Kong blaze

Ho Wai-ho was dispatched to fight a 5-alarm fire at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court complex.

28 Nov 2025 - 5:39PM

South Korea

South Korea high-rise fire safety under scrutiny after Hong Kong tragedy

Safety concerns spike as many of South Korea’s ageing buildings lack both essential sprinklers and noncombustible cladding.

28 Nov 2025 - 4:44PM

Scaffolding outside Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po catches fire on Wednesday. Photo: Karma Lo

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Video | Hong Kong Tai Po fire rescue operations enter day 3

Hong Kong leader John Lee has ordered inspections of all public housing estates undergoing major renovations.

28 Nov 2025 - 1:49PM

02:19

Accidents and personal safety

Video | Timeline: How Hong Kong’s deadly fire in Tai Po unfolded

Three people arrested for manslaughter as police search, seize documents at offices of housing estate’s building maintenance firm in San Po Kong.

27 Nov 2025 - 5:15PM

Hong Kong fires and safety

Video | At least 36 dead, 279 missing as major fire rages at Hong Kong housing estate

At least 36 people, including a firefighter, have been killed and at least 29 others injured and 279 still missing in a fire that started in the afternoon.

27 Nov 2025 - 3:14AM

Hong Kong fires and safety

Video | At least 12 dead in Tai Po fire in Hong Kong

Police said they received multiple reports of people trapped in a building where the blaze started.

27 Nov 2025 - 3:14AM

02:36

Hong Kong fires and safety

Video | Residents trapped in burning buildings in Tai Po

Blaze at Wang Fuk Court was initially classified as a No 1 alarm fire but was quickly raised to No 4 by 3.34pm.

27 Nov 2025 - 3:14AM

Major fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po leaves 2 severely burnt, residents trapped

01:24

Accidents and personal safety

Wall of Hong Kong’s Lee Theatre Plaza catches fire at lunchtime

Flames put out at around 1.20pm after fire department deployed a water jet and rescue team equipped with breathing apparatus to scene.

25 Nov 2025 - 9:11PMvideocam

Accidents and personal safety

Blaze on Hong Kong barge in Yau Ma Tei typhoon shelter triggers smoke alert

Fire Services Department advises people affected by smoke or unusual odour to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed.

11 Nov 2025 - 8:54PM

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Fire Services Department ( Hong Kong)

Changes to fire services law with tougher penalties set for public consultation

Security Bureau to submit amendments, including requirement fire alarms be checked every six months, to lawmakers early next month.

Departments must communicate better, fire chief tells Tai Po blaze hearing

Hong Kong fire services declined Tai Po alert over confusion fears, inquiry hears

Tai Po fire probe: no emergency alert sent over fears of unpredictable responses

Judge David Lok urges distinction between firefighting and fire prevention, says officers at the scene had to make many difficult decisions.

‘Regulatory vacuum’: Hong Kong fire probe reveals confusion over safety roles

Testimony by fire services officials shows departments split over handling complaints on Wang Fuk Court renovations.

Hong Kong to scrap fax messaging between police and fire services for emergencies

Security chief Chris Tang says system to be digitised after Tai Po fire inquiry reveals use of fax for sharing emergency appeals gathered online.

Tai Po blaze: official defends refusing mainland Chinese firefighters’ help

Mainland counterparts may not have adapted to local environment nor communicated effectively, Hong Kong fire services officer says at hearing.

Firefighters prioritised tackling blaze over rescues, Tai Po probe hears

‘If you cannot put out the fire, how can you save those trapped inside?’ commander tells committee investigating Wang Fuk Court disaster.

Tai Po blaze: no fire risk checks done for HK$336 million estate renovation

Authorities did not pay special attention to fire hazards at residential estates undergoing large-scale maintenance before deadly fire, official says.

7 injured, 4 critically, in fire at Hong Kong recycling yard

Bright orange flames and thick black smoke seen at Tai Po site after blast.

2 women climb out of window to flee Hong Kong building fire that injured 3 others

Police say they were alerted at 5.28pm of blaze at Yen Dack Building on Chun Yeung Street in North Point.

Residents of Tai Po blaze building misled over renovation project, inquiry told

Ties among companies bidding for work at Wang Fuk Court also suggest possible under-the-table relationships, independent committee hears.

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

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

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

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

Letters | How Tai Po fire exposed weakness in Hong Kong contract governance

Readers call for steps to improve procurement and contract oversight, official accountability for lapses that led to the tragedy, and appreciation for donor generosity.

‘Darkest corner’: firefighters haunted by Hong Kong blaze but vow to keep serving

Firefighters recount extreme challenges of operation at Wang Fuk Court, with some struggling emotionally after finding so many bodies.

Letters | Commercialisation of Hong Kong’s public venues must come with a caveat

Readers discuss the government’s bid to open up underused public venues, call for a Firefighters’ Day, and take issue with the sensationalisation of news.

‘Our spirit is tougher’: Hong Kong fire survivor’s ordeal and rescue

After hours trapped in the deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze, resident William Li recounts the desperate rescue of himself and two neighbours.

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Hongkongers rally to support those affected by Tai Po housing estate fire

Volunteers offered food, supplies, services and their time to help people affected by the deadly blaze at Wang Fuk Court.

Video | Memorials for ‘superhero’ firefighter who lost life in Hong Kong blaze

Ho Wai-ho was dispatched to fight a 5-alarm fire at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court complex.

South Korea high-rise fire safety under scrutiny after Hong Kong tragedy

Safety concerns spike as many of South Korea’s ageing buildings lack both essential sprinklers and noncombustible cladding.

Video | Hong Kong Tai Po fire rescue operations enter day 3

Hong Kong leader John Lee has ordered inspections of all public housing estates undergoing major renovations.

Video | Timeline: How Hong Kong’s deadly fire in Tai Po unfolded

Three people arrested for manslaughter as police search, seize documents at offices of housing estate’s building maintenance firm in San Po Kong.

Video | At least 36 dead, 279 missing as major fire rages at Hong Kong housing estate

At least 36 people, including a firefighter, have been killed and at least 29 others injured and 279 still missing in a fire that started in the afternoon.

Video | At least 12 dead in Tai Po fire in Hong Kong

Police said they received multiple reports of people trapped in a building where the blaze started.

Video | Residents trapped in burning buildings in Tai Po

Blaze at Wang Fuk Court was initially classified as a No 1 alarm fire but was quickly raised to No 4 by 3.34pm.

Wall of Hong Kong’s Lee Theatre Plaza catches fire at lunchtime

Flames put out at around 1.20pm after fire department deployed a water jet and rescue team equipped with breathing apparatus to scene.

Blaze on Hong Kong barge in Yau Ma Tei typhoon shelter triggers smoke alert

Fire Services Department advises people affected by smoke or unusual odour to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed.

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

Video | Hongkongers rally to support those affected by Tai Po housing estate fire