The Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD) announced early Friday that fire-fighting operations at Wang Fuk Court residential complex have been completed. Rescue teams are now focusing on thorough searches of all affected buildings to ensure no one remains trapped.
By 5:30 a.m. on November 28, 2025, CMG reporters confirmed all visible flames were extinguished. Authorities expect the search operation to wrap up by 9 a.m. A total of 117 ambulances were deployed to assist with rescue and medical efforts.
The blaze erupted Wednesday afternoon, November 26, at the affordable housing complex completed in 1983, which houses around 4,000 residents across 1,984 units. At the time, all eight buildings were encased in green mesh and scaffolding for a major renovation. The fire spread rapidly from the scaffolding on one building to six others, fueled by flammable materials covering the structures.
Early Thursday, police arrested three men responsible for the renovation on suspicion of manslaughter. The Independent Commission Against Corruption launched a probe into alleged graft linked to the renovation contract.
At an earlier press briefing, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee said the HKSAR government has ordered a city-wide safety inspection of all scaffolding and construction materials used in renovation projects. Lee also announced that each fire-hit household will receive a grant of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $1,286). The HKSAR government has set up nine emergency shelters and will pool public and private resources to provide around 1,800 transitional housing units.
The death toll from the catastrophic fire has risen to 94.
Reference(s):
Fire-fighting operation completed in Hong Kong residential complex
cgtn.com
