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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 168 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/

John Lee has pledged to pursue full accountability of the city’s deadliest fire in decades. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong politics

No Hong Kong cabinet reshuffle until Tai Po blaze probe wraps up: sources

Speculation is swirling that two ministers are leaving their cabinet appointments.

22 Jan 2026 - 9:38PM

Hong Kong fires and safety

Hong Kong authorities could vet construction firm directors to tighten oversight

21 Jan 2026 - 9:22PM

Hong Kong

Hongkongers allowed to observe first open meeting of committee probing Tai Po fire

20 Jan 2026 - 9:44PM

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Housing Authority members urge clarity on Tai Po rental site swap

Committee members seek explanation as housing secretary says site is ‘good choice’ for resettling residents of fire-hit Wang Fuk Court.

19 Jan 2026 - 8:46PM

The plot of public housing land on Chung Nga Road West could serve as a potential site to rehouse residents from Wang Fuk Court. Photo: Karma Lo

Hong Kong

Hong Kong authorities start 2-month inspection operation on building fire safety

Fire Services Department begins checks on residential and mixed-use buildings planned at least 39 years ago to ensure safety equipment in place.

19 Jan 2026 - 11:31PM

Insurance

China Taiping expects higher profit but Tai Po fire could weigh in 2026

State-owned insurer expects 215 to 225 per cent jump in 2025 net profit due to a gain in investment income, one-off tax impact.

19 Jan 2026 - 8:42PM

Hong Kong politics

Opinion | Government knows best? Hong Kong policymakers need to listen more

From Tai Po redevelopment to anti-bid-rigging measures, Hong Kong policies appear to have been shaped with little legislative input.

19 Jan 2026 - 9:30AM

Lawmakers attend the first meeting of the 8th Legislative Council in Admiralty on January 14. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong

Hong Kong to roll out tender platform upgraded after Tai Po fire in second half

Under new system, Urban Renewal Authority will conduct strict scrutiny of directors of contractors and consultants.

19 Jan 2026 - 12:32AM

Hong Kong

Hong Kong contractors rated poorly by homeowners face removal after Tai Po fire

Chief Secretary Eric Chan outlines reforms to ‘Smart Tender’ scheme, including homeowner surveys and stricter oversight to combat bid-rigging.

17 Jan 2026 - 9:16PM

Hong Kong

Exclusive | Tai Po fire relief fund to earn interest from fixed deposits: Hong Kong minister

Home affairs chief Alice Mak says government ‘not that foolish’ to leave funds idle after some economists suggest investing money.

17 Jan 2026 - 9:00AM

Around HK$1.2 billion of the support fund has been distributed to affected Wang Fuk Court residents. Photo: Karma Lo

SCMP Exclusives

Exclusive | Hong Kong considers doubling attendance threshold for major renovation approvals

Home affairs chief Alice Mak pledges to fast-track amendment to Building Management Ordinance following Tai Po fire that killed 168.

16 Jan 2026 - 10:50PM

Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong housing

Editorial | Resettling Hong Kong fire victims calls for compassion and fiscal prudence

The authorities must take victims’ preferences into account while residents should be realistic about what the government can do and afford.

16 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

Hong Kong

Pledges fall short of fixing building sector after Hong Kong inferno: experts

Experts warn new building maintenance measures in the wake of the deadly fire in Tai Po only scratch the surface of deeper systemic issues.

16 Jan 2026 - 4:13AM

Hong Kong

Stalled work to resume as Hong Kong distributes 3,000 fire-tested scaffold nets

Construction Industry Council receives 12,000 centrally procured nets from Guangdong province, with another 38,000 expected to arrive by early February.

15 Jan 2026 - 8:02PM

The first batch of fire-retardant safety nets at the warehouse in San Tin. Photo: Karma Lo

Hong Kong

Death toll from Hong Kong fire rises to 168 after more remains identified

Security chief Chris Tang updates death toll from Tai Po inferno, saying remains of all victims have now been identified.

15 Jan 2026 - 10:54PM

Hong Kong society

Explainer | Bid-rigging clamp, smoke-free construction sites: Hong Kong Legco gets cracking

The Post looks into measures proposed in response to last year’s Wang Fuk Court fire.

15 Jan 2026 - 6:18PM

Hong Kong

Tougher building checks may add costs, slow projects, Hong Kong lawmaker says

Andrew Lam calls for government and legislature to discuss proposal to tighten scrutiny of building maintenance projects in greater depth.

15 Jan 2026 - 6:43PM

Hong Kong

Legal Tales | Time to end bid-rigging in Hong Kong with criminalisation, tougher enforcement

In the wake of the Tai Po fire, an all-too-common practice in building management and maintenance comes under the spotlight – and must be redressed.

15 Jan 2026 - 9:30AM

Hong Kong

Gaps laid bare by deadly Hong Kong fire focus of first Legco meeting of new term

City leader John Lee outlines government priorities in wake of November’s blaze, with resettlement of residents and investigations topping list.

15 Jan 2026 - 12:23AMvideocam

Hong Kong

Hong Kong officials urge buy-back plan over ‘challenging’ Wang Fuk Court rebuild

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong says legal and ownership issues make rebuilding unfeasible, with buy-back option the fastest, most flexible solution.

14 Jan 2026 - 11:09PM

Hong Kong politics

Hong Kong to step up crackdown on bid-rigging, Legco told – as it happened

City leader John Lee highlights national integration and post-disaster relief work for Wang Fuk Court as key tasks for new Legco and government.

15 Jan 2026 - 8:11AM

John Lee (left) and Starry Lee. Photo: Eugene Lee

Hong Kong

Hong Kong government to replace Tai Po district officer Eunice Chan

Reshuffle not triggered by recent controversy over her choice of attire at firefighter Ho Wai-ho’s funeral but by other complaints, sources say.

13 Jan 2026 - 9:49PM

Tai Po district officer Eunice Chan at the funeral of firefighter Ho Wai-ho last month. Photo: Dickson Lee

Singapore

Singapore takes stock of lessons from Hong Kong’s Tai Po blaze

The city state will study and incorporate into policy frameworks relevant observations made by the Hong Kong authorities about the fire.

12 Jan 2026 - 9:39PMvideocam

Gary Chan Hak-kan

Hong Kong official softens stance on rebuilding homes at Tai Po fire site

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong pledges to take residents’ wishes into account days after saying redevelopment was ‘not practical’.

12 Jan 2026 - 11:21PMvideocam

Hong Kong fires and safety

Exclusive | Hong Kong surveyor’s undeclared role prompts rule review after deadly Tai Po fire

Arrested surveyor’s undeclared link to Wang Fuk Court triggers move from the government to tighten potential conflict of interest rules.

12 Jan 2026 - 8:30AMvideocam

The fire at Wang Fuk Court killed 161 people. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong returning to surplus no excuse for splashing budget cash

Northern Metropolis ambitions and Tai Po fire recovery will test the city’s commitment to fiscal prudence.

11 Jan 2026 - 9:17PMvideocam

Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po gives a speech at the Hong Kong Coalition of Professional Services luncheon at New World Harbour View in Wan Chai on March 11, 2025. Photo: Jonathan Wong

SCMP Exclusives

Exclusive | Hong Kong ‘to release list of 161 fire victims’ as rehousing questions grow

Displaced Wang Fuk Court residents call for clarity about rehousing arrangements, says, saying they have received conflicting information.

12 Jan 2026 - 12:09AM

Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Legco to discuss post-fire support but question session cancelled

New Legco’s first chamber meeting will also debate lawmaker’s motion calling for review of building maintenance system and crackdown on bid rigging.

10 Jan 2026 - 8:59PM

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

No Hong Kong cabinet reshuffle until Tai Po blaze probe wraps up: sources

Speculation is swirling that two ministers are leaving their cabinet appointments.

Hong Kong authorities could vet construction firm directors to tighten oversight

Hongkongers allowed to observe first open meeting of committee probing Tai Po fire

Hong Kong Housing Authority members urge clarity on Tai Po rental site swap

Committee members seek explanation as housing secretary says site is ‘good choice’ for resettling residents of fire-hit Wang Fuk Court.

Hong Kong authorities start 2-month inspection operation on building fire safety

Fire Services Department begins checks on residential and mixed-use buildings planned at least 39 years ago to ensure safety equipment in place.

China Taiping expects higher profit but Tai Po fire could weigh in 2026

State-owned insurer expects 215 to 225 per cent jump in 2025 net profit due to a gain in investment income, one-off tax impact.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Government knows best? Hong Kong policymakers need to listen more

From Tai Po redevelopment to anti-bid-rigging measures, Hong Kong policies appear to have been shaped with little legislative input.

Hong Kong to roll out tender platform upgraded after Tai Po fire in second half

Under new system, Urban Renewal Authority will conduct strict scrutiny of directors of contractors and consultants.

Hong Kong contractors rated poorly by homeowners face removal after Tai Po fire

Chief Secretary Eric Chan outlines reforms to ‘Smart Tender’ scheme, including homeowner surveys and stricter oversight to combat bid-rigging.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Tai Po fire relief fund to earn interest from fixed deposits: Hong Kong minister

Home affairs chief Alice Mak says government ‘not that foolish’ to leave funds idle after some economists suggest investing money.

Exclusive | Hong Kong considers doubling attendance threshold for major renovation approvals

Home affairs chief Alice Mak pledges to fast-track amendment to Building Management Ordinance following Tai Po fire that killed 168.

Editorial | Resettling Hong Kong fire victims calls for compassion and fiscal prudence

The authorities must take victims’ preferences into account while residents should be realistic about what the government can do and afford.

Pledges fall short of fixing building sector after Hong Kong inferno: experts

Experts warn new building maintenance measures in the wake of the deadly fire in Tai Po only scratch the surface of deeper systemic issues.

Stalled work to resume as Hong Kong distributes 3,000 fire-tested scaffold nets

Construction Industry Council receives 12,000 centrally procured nets from Guangdong province, with another 38,000 expected to arrive by early February.

Death toll from Hong Kong fire rises to 168 after more remains identified

Security chief Chris Tang updates death toll from Tai Po inferno, saying remains of all victims have now been identified.

Explainer | Bid-rigging clamp, smoke-free construction sites: Hong Kong Legco gets cracking

The Post looks into measures proposed in response to last year’s Wang Fuk Court fire.

Tougher building checks may add costs, slow projects, Hong Kong lawmaker says

Andrew Lam calls for government and legislature to discuss proposal to tighten scrutiny of building maintenance projects in greater depth.

Legal Tales | Time to end bid-rigging in Hong Kong with criminalisation, tougher enforcement

In the wake of the Tai Po fire, an all-too-common practice in building management and maintenance comes under the spotlight – and must be redressed.

Gaps laid bare by deadly Hong Kong fire focus of first Legco meeting of new term

City leader John Lee outlines government priorities in wake of November’s blaze, with resettlement of residents and investigations topping list.

Hong Kong officials urge buy-back plan over ‘challenging’ Wang Fuk Court rebuild

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong says legal and ownership issues make rebuilding unfeasible, with buy-back option the fastest, most flexible solution.

Hong Kong to step up crackdown on bid-rigging, Legco told – as it happened

City leader John Lee highlights national integration and post-disaster relief work for Wang Fuk Court as key tasks for new Legco and government.

Hong Kong government to replace Tai Po district officer Eunice Chan

Reshuffle not triggered by recent controversy over her choice of attire at firefighter Ho Wai-ho’s funeral but by other complaints, sources say.

Singapore takes stock of lessons from Hong Kong’s Tai Po blaze

The city state will study and incorporate into policy frameworks relevant observations made by the Hong Kong authorities about the fire.

Hong Kong official softens stance on rebuilding homes at Tai Po fire site

Deputy finance chief Michael Wong pledges to take residents’ wishes into account days after saying redevelopment was ‘not practical’.

Exclusive | Hong Kong surveyor’s undeclared role prompts rule review after deadly Tai Po fire

Arrested surveyor’s undeclared link to Wang Fuk Court triggers move from the government to tighten potential conflict of interest rules.

Opinion | Hong Kong returning to surplus no excuse for splashing budget cash

Northern Metropolis ambitions and Tai Po fire recovery will test the city’s commitment to fiscal prudence.

Exclusive | Hong Kong ‘to release list of 161 fire victims’ as rehousing questions grow

Displaced Wang Fuk Court residents call for clarity about rehousing arrangements, says, saying they have received conflicting information.

Hong Kong’s Legco to discuss post-fire support but question session cancelled

New Legco’s first chamber meeting will also debate lawmaker’s motion calling for review of building maintenance system and crackdown on bid rigging.

Opinion | Government knows best? Hong Kong policymakers need to listen more

Exclusive | Tai Po fire relief fund to earn interest from fixed deposits: Hong Kong minister