The devastating fire that tore through the Wang Fuk Court public housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on November 26, 2025, tragically claimed at least 128 lives, including a firefighter, making it one of the city’s deadliest blazes in decades. The fire, which erupted in the afternoon, rapidly engulfed seven of the complex’s eight 32-story residential towers. The sheer scale and speed of the destruction immediately raised urgent questions regarding construction safety standards and emergency response protocols. A significant factor in the fire’s rapid and catastrophic spread was the exterior of the buildings, which were undergoing maintenance and were entirely wrapped in bamboo scaffolding covered with highly flammable green construction mesh and plastic sheeting. Strong winds on the day also served to fan the flames, creating a towering inferno that was difficult for fire crews to combat, particularly on the upper floors.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, an unconfirmed but widely circulated viral video added a controversial layer to the ongoing investigation: the allegation that a worker’s discarded cigarette may have been the initial ignition source. The footage, shared across social media, reportedly showed construction workers casually smoking on the scaffolding moments before the blaze began. This claim fuelled public anger, suggesting gross negligence may have led to the disaster. While authorities have not officially confirmed the cigarette as the cause, initial police investigations strongly indicated that the rapid, uncontrollable spread was facilitated by fire safety violations related to the construction materials. Specifically, police highlighted the use of protective netting, plastic sheets, and highly flammable foam boards placed over windows that did not meet fire-resistance standards, accusing the construction firm of gross negligence.
The intensity of the fire, which burned for over 40 hours, severely hindered rescue efforts, leaving hundreds injured and forcing thousands of residents into temporary shelters. In response, police arrested three individuals—directors and an engineering consultant from the construction company overseeing the renovation—on suspicion of manslaughter. Furthermore, Hong Kong’s anti-corruption body launched an investigation into potential corruption related to the renovation contract. This tragedy has not only brought immense grief but has also sparked a critical public debate over the city’s reliance on traditional, highly combustible materials like bamboo scaffolding, and is expected to lead to a major review and potential tightening of building and fire safety regulations for high-rise residential complexes across Hong Kong.