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Around 2:51 PM local time, November 26, 2025, fire engulfed the apartment complex of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, destroying the homes of around 4,600 residents. What many didn't know at that time, was that the fire would soon escalate to the worst fire in Hong Kong for 7 decades with the fire level of 5, the highest and most dangerous level of fires. The fire would then continue to set ablaze homes over the course of 40 hours, burning through seven of the eight residential towers before finally being put out on November 28. As of December 10, 2025, 160 people have been confirmed dead, including one firefighter, with six people still unaccounted for. The cause of this tragic fire is still being investigated, but can be divided by two categories. The protective net that was declared to be fire proof. These fireproof nets in question that cover the entire building during construction progress acted as gasoline for the fire, quickly spreading the small fire to the entire building. Investigation revealed the mesh did not meet fire-safety standards. Poorly constructed building and out-of-date mechanisms. Firefighters stated that when first attempting to enter the flaming building, barely any functional safety exits and fire extinguishers were discovered. Fire alarms failed to activate properly across multiple buildings. The contractor, Prestige Construction, had a history of safety violations but was incorrectly presented as having a clean record.
Legislator Doreen Kong urged the government to deny compensation to people who purchase Wang Fuk Court flats after the fire. Reports emerged of a buyer offering HK$6 million for five flats at heavily discounted prices, about 60% of their original value. Kong warned against "unscrupulous buyers" and stressed that current owners retain land ownership rights even if buildings are destroyed.
The death toll from the Wang Fuk Court fire has risen to 160 after DNA tests confirmed one more casualty. Six people remain unaccounted for. Police will soon enter the third phase of search operations, removing scaffolding around buildings to check for more remains. Community support efforts continue for the nearly 5,000 displaced residents.
The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) removed both Prestige Construction and Will Power Architects from its building rehabilitation company registration scheme. The authority cited its policy to revoke registrations when companies become subjects of complaints, negative media reports, or arrests by law enforcement agencies.
Reuters investigation uncovered that Prestige Construction had been penalized over a dozen times between 2016 and 2019 for safety violations. The contractor was fined HK$309,000 for 15 workplace safety violations before winning the HK$330 million renovation contract. Consultant Will Power Architects incorrectly told residents that Prestige had a clean safety record.
Many survivors of the Wang Fuk Court fire remain uncertain about where they will live next. Numerous questions to the city government have gone unanswered. The New York Times reports that displaced residents are living in temporary accommodations with unclear long-term housing solutions.
Chief Executive John Lee announced an independent committee led by a judge will investigate the fire's causes. The inquiry will examine corruption, bid-rigging, irregular tendering in building maintenance projects, and fire safety system operations. Lee pledged to "reform the whole building renovation system" to prevent future tragedies.