TOPIC

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Latest news and updates on the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district that killed 161 people, including a firefighter. Scores of people were also hurt.

Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po

Bank of China account: 012 8752 190 1597

Hong Kong Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org.hk/en/index.html

Operation Santa Claus Emergency Appeal

https://oschk.org/

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council

https://www.skhwc.org.hk/en/

Hong Kong Family Welfare Society

https://www.hkfws.org.hk/en/home

Po Leung Kuk

https://www.poleungkuk.org.hk/en

Feeding Hong Kong

https://feedinghk.org/

Members of the independent committee inspect Wang Fuk Court in the company of firefighters. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong

Committee probing Hong Kong fire visits Wang Fuk Court to inspect conditions

Panel chairman Justice David Lok visits scene of blaze with committee members to understand ‘actual environment’ at estate.

24 Dec 2025 - 12:55AM

Hong Kong

Hong Kong lawyers give free aid to Tai Po residents at loss over next legal steps

22 Dec 2025 - 8:30AM

Hong Kong society

Operation Santa Claus appeal for Hong Kong’s fire-hit residents embraced

22 Dec 2025 - 11:14PM

Hong Kong

Hong Kong welfare group scraps ban on Tai Po survivors keeping donated appliances

SideBySide U-turns on policy hours after some residents in temporary housing argue donated items are theirs to keep even after they move out.

21 Dec 2025 - 9:28PM

A Wang Fuk Court resident moves into transitional housing Good House in Tai Po. Photo: Eugene Lee

Legislative Council election 2025

Deadly Tai Po blaze affected Hong Kong Legco election voter turnout: minister

Constitutional affairs chief Erick Tsang says city’s worst fire in decades ‘dampened enthusiasm’, leading to second-lowest rate since 1997.

21 Dec 2025 - 9:26PM

Hong Kong

Worried residents demand halt to renovation plan after deadly Hong Kong fire

Residents of Fu Shin Estate, near fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, check renovation documents and find name of man arrested earlier.

20 Dec 2025 - 11:52PMvideocam

Hong Kong

‘No leniency’: Hong Kong minister vows tougher safety laws after Tai Po fire

Development chief Bernadette Linn says authorities must ‘thoroughly review the existing system with a heavy hand’.

20 Dec 2025 - 8:27PM

The catastrophic 43-hour blaze at Wang Fuk Court, which broke out on November 26, claimed at least 161 lives and left nearly 5,000 residents displaced. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong

Death toll in Hong Kong fire rises to 161 after new DNA match

‘DNA tests are still being carried out, and we do not rule out the possibility that the DNA of other deceased people may be identified,’ police commissioner says.

20 Dec 2025 - 6:40PM

Hong Kong

Want to donate in cash or kind? How to help Hong Kong’s embattled fire victims

Hong Kong community has rallied to support displaced families with organisations establishing collection points for essential supplies.

1 Dec 2025 - 10:18PM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy: Video

Tai Po inferno: Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy – an infographic

See why the fires that ravaged the Wang Fuk Court high-rise tower complex are among the worst in the city’s history.

4 Dec 2025 - 11:32AM

Tai Po inferno: Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy – an infographic

The Philippines

Helper who survived Hong Kong fire recovers in Philippines for Christmas

Rhodora Alcaraz earlier lauded by Philippine president as hero for her role in helping save three-month-old baby during last month’s fire.

12 minutes ago

Rhodora Alcaraz (front right) is still covering after last month’s deadly fire in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong society

Editorial | Christmas spirit of compassion can help a Hong Kong that is still healing

While celebrations will be restrained in honour of the lives lost in the Tai Po fire, Christmas can still be a source of comfort in difficult times.

24 Dec 2025 - 6:45AM

Mental health

Hong Kong Red Cross unveils HK$420 million relief fund for Tai Po fire victims

Charity to provide cash, medical and mental health aid under a three- to five-year recovery plan for families hit by the deadly blaze.

23 Dec 2025 - 8:36PM

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong’s Cardinal Chow says celebrating Christmas will bring hope after fire

Christmas can provide ‘way out to a radically new and promising life’, he says in wide-ranging message that also touches on economy, AI challenges.

23 Dec 2025 - 8:05PM

Cardinal Stephen Chow in the Vatican earlier this year during the election of a new pope. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong society

Editorial | Weigh plans for long-term resettlement of Hong Kong fire victims with care

It is good that officials are keeping an open mind and not rushing into any decisions. Hopefully, it will not be too long before suitable options are proposed.

23 Dec 2025 - 6:45AM

People walk past Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, on December 20, weeks after a deadly fire burned the community and at least claimed 161 lives. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong restaurants eye Lunar New Year boost after weak winter solstice sales

Slump in sales for traditional dinner gatherings tied to Tai Po fire tragedy, with restaurants looking to February for turnaround.

22 Dec 2025 - 11:27PM

Education in Hong Kong

Citing ‘instability’, University of Hong Kong denies mourning venue after fire

Student publication Undergrad says HKU did not provide detailed reason for refusal but cited concerns of ‘social instability’ and ‘force majeure’.

22 Dec 2025 - 8:25PM

Hong Kong housing

Opinion | Hong Kong’s fire victims need empathy, clarity and a plan

The fire must compel us to re-examine how we assign risk, structure contracts, insure homes and support communities after a catastrophe.

22 Dec 2025 - 9:30AMvideocam

Residents take shelter at Kwong Fuk Commercial Centre on November 27 as the Tai Po fire burns in the background. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong society

Letters | Medical volunteers’ joint effort on Tai Po fire relief made a difference

Readers discuss the collaborative spirit of and bonds forged through the mobilisation, and smoking in public in Hong Kong.

21 Dec 2025 - 11:30AM

Hong Kong society

My Take | The Christmas spirit of generosity, peace and goodwill could not be needed more

From the Tai Po fire tragedy to the Bondi Beach terror attack, the festive season brings a welcome ray of light and a sense of hope for the future.

20 Dec 2025 - 10:59PM

Hong Kong

Hong Kong minister urges landlords to avoid cashing in on Tai Po fire rent aid

Home affairs minister Alice Mak says some landlords appear to have been raising rents to take advantage of subsidies for displaced residents.

20 Dec 2025 - 9:26PM

Hong Kong will provide an annual subsidy of HK$150,000 to each flat owner affected the Tai Po blaze, to help them rent homes in the private market. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong district officer apologises over outfit choice at firefighter’s funeral

Eunice Chan accused of ‘lack of respect and common sense’ for attire at service for Ho Wai-ho, as his girlfriend posts touching tribute online.

20 Dec 2025 - 6:15PM

District officer Eunice Chan expressed regret over her clothing choice at the funeral service for firefighter Ho Wai-ho. Photo: Dickson Lee

Legislative Council election 2025

Hong Kong lawmaker says win will spur more vocal candidates in future polls

Mark Chong also calls on government to improve public trust by boosting oversight to avoid situations like the bottled water scandal and Tai Po fire.

20 Dec 2025 - 5:29PM

Hong Kong society

Letters | Building renovation management should not be entrusted to laymen

Readers discuss the law that makes owners responsible for common parts of buildings, the opening of the Chinese Medicine Hospital, and a robot’s record-breaking feat of endurance.

20 Dec 2025 - 11:30AM

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy: Video

Video | Fallen firefighter Ho Wai-ho laid to rest

37-year-old firefighter died battling a massive inferno that engulfed several Tai Po residential blocks in late November.

19 Dec 2025 - 6:18PM

Fallen Hong Kong firefighter Ho Wai-ho has officially been laid to rest in Gallant Garden, a cemetery plot reserved for civil servants who died in the line of duty. Ho was killed battling the Tai Po blaze in late November.

02:07

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong fire: authorities seek to dissolve Wang Fuk Court owners’ committee

Home affairs minister Alice Mak says government intervening for first time on record in residential estate’s affairs.

19 Dec 2025 - 11:32PMvideocam

Last month’s fire killed at least 160 people. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong

Market rates set Hong Kong’s HK$150,000 subsidy for Tai Po fire victims: minister

Home affairs minister Alice Mak says two-year annual grant is based on typical rent in the area amid concerns it could drive up rates.

19 Dec 2025 - 5:42PM

Hong Kong

Video | Hong Kong firefighters pay tribute to fallen colleague

Ho Wai-ho lost his life at the age of 37 as he battled the massive Tai Po inferno that claimed the lives of 160 in late November.

19 Dec 2025 - 3:31PM

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Committee probing Hong Kong fire visits Wang Fuk Court to inspect conditions

Panel chairman Justice David Lok visits scene of blaze with committee members to understand ‘actual environment’ at estate.

Hong Kong lawyers give free aid to Tai Po residents at loss over next legal steps

Operation Santa Claus appeal for Hong Kong’s fire-hit residents embraced

Hong Kong welfare group scraps ban on Tai Po survivors keeping donated appliances

SideBySide U-turns on policy hours after some residents in temporary housing argue donated items are theirs to keep even after they move out.

Deadly Tai Po blaze affected Hong Kong Legco election voter turnout: minister

Constitutional affairs chief Erick Tsang says city’s worst fire in decades ‘dampened enthusiasm’, leading to second-lowest rate since 1997.

Worried residents demand halt to renovation plan after deadly Hong Kong fire

Residents of Fu Shin Estate, near fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, check renovation documents and find name of man arrested earlier.

‘No leniency’: Hong Kong minister vows tougher safety laws after Tai Po fire

Development chief Bernadette Linn says authorities must ‘thoroughly review the existing system with a heavy hand’.

Death toll in Hong Kong fire rises to 161 after new DNA match

‘DNA tests are still being carried out, and we do not rule out the possibility that the DNA of other deceased people may be identified,’ police commissioner says.

Want to donate in cash or kind? How to help Hong Kong’s embattled fire victims

Hong Kong community has rallied to support displaced families with organisations establishing collection points for essential supplies.

Tai Po inferno: Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy – an infographic

See why the fires that ravaged the Wang Fuk Court high-rise tower complex are among the worst in the city’s history.

Helper who survived Hong Kong fire recovers in Philippines for Christmas

Rhodora Alcaraz earlier lauded by Philippine president as hero for her role in helping save three-month-old baby during last month’s fire.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Christmas spirit of compassion can help a Hong Kong that is still healing

While celebrations will be restrained in honour of the lives lost in the Tai Po fire, Christmas can still be a source of comfort in difficult times.

Hong Kong Red Cross unveils HK$420 million relief fund for Tai Po fire victims

Charity to provide cash, medical and mental health aid under a three- to five-year recovery plan for families hit by the deadly blaze.

Hong Kong’s Cardinal Chow says celebrating Christmas will bring hope after fire

Christmas can provide ‘way out to a radically new and promising life’, he says in wide-ranging message that also touches on economy, AI challenges.

Editorial | Weigh plans for long-term resettlement of Hong Kong fire victims with care

It is good that officials are keeping an open mind and not rushing into any decisions. Hopefully, it will not be too long before suitable options are proposed.

Hong Kong restaurants eye Lunar New Year boost after weak winter solstice sales

Slump in sales for traditional dinner gatherings tied to Tai Po fire tragedy, with restaurants looking to February for turnaround.

Citing ‘instability’, University of Hong Kong denies mourning venue after fire

Student publication Undergrad says HKU did not provide detailed reason for refusal but cited concerns of ‘social instability’ and ‘force majeure’.

Opinion | Hong Kong’s fire victims need empathy, clarity and a plan

The fire must compel us to re-examine how we assign risk, structure contracts, insure homes and support communities after a catastrophe.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Medical volunteers’ joint effort on Tai Po fire relief made a difference

Readers discuss the collaborative spirit of and bonds forged through the mobilisation, and smoking in public in Hong Kong.

My Take | The Christmas spirit of generosity, peace and goodwill could not be needed more

From the Tai Po fire tragedy to the Bondi Beach terror attack, the festive season brings a welcome ray of light and a sense of hope for the future.

Hong Kong minister urges landlords to avoid cashing in on Tai Po fire rent aid

Home affairs minister Alice Mak says some landlords appear to have been raising rents to take advantage of subsidies for displaced residents.

Hong Kong district officer apologises over outfit choice at firefighter’s funeral

Eunice Chan accused of ‘lack of respect and common sense’ for attire at service for Ho Wai-ho, as his girlfriend posts touching tribute online.

Hong Kong lawmaker says win will spur more vocal candidates in future polls

Mark Chong also calls on government to improve public trust by boosting oversight to avoid situations like the bottled water scandal and Tai Po fire.

Letters | Building renovation management should not be entrusted to laymen

Readers discuss the law that makes owners responsible for common parts of buildings, the opening of the Chinese Medicine Hospital, and a robot’s record-breaking feat of endurance.

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | Fallen firefighter Ho Wai-ho laid to rest

37-year-old firefighter died battling a massive inferno that engulfed several Tai Po residential blocks in late November.

Hong Kong fire: authorities seek to dissolve Wang Fuk Court owners’ committee

Home affairs minister Alice Mak says government intervening for first time on record in residential estate’s affairs.

Market rates set Hong Kong’s HK$150,000 subsidy for Tai Po fire victims: minister

Home affairs minister Alice Mak says two-year annual grant is based on typical rent in the area amid concerns it could drive up rates.

Video | Hong Kong firefighters pay tribute to fallen colleague

Ho Wai-ho lost his life at the age of 37 as he battled the massive Tai Po inferno that claimed the lives of 160 in late November.

Editorial | Christmas spirit of compassion can help a Hong Kong that is still healing

Letters | Medical volunteers’ joint effort on Tai Po fire relief made a difference

Video | Fallen firefighter Ho Wai-ho laid to rest