Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Level 5 Fire: Residents Return to Collect Belongings

Residents of the Tai Po Wing Fuk Court housing estate will be allowed to return to their homes in batches starting tomorrow to retrieve personal belongings following a five-alarm fire that devastated the complex, with each visit limited to three hours but permitting multiple trips if needed, the Hong Kong Security Bureau announced.

The decision, confirmed by Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung during a press briefing on Saturday, reverses earlier restrictions that had barred residents from making more than one trip into the fire-damaged buildings. Tang stated that individuals with genuine needs — such as retrieving medication, important documents, or essential items — may now be permitted to make additional visits within the allocated time frame, subject to safety assessments and coordination with on-site emergency personnel.

The fire, which broke out on Thursday afternoon in Block 7 of the Wing Fuk Court estate, rapidly spread to five other blocks due to strong winds and the buildings’ interconnected design, prompting a major emergency response. Over 200 firefighters were deployed, and the blaze was brought under control after several hours, though not before causing extensive structural damage and displacing hundreds of residents. No fatalities were reported, but dozens were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries at local hospitals.

In the immediate aftermath, authorities imposed strict access controls, allowing only one supervised visit per household to minimize risks from unstable structures and potential hotspots. However, feedback from residents and community representatives highlighted practical difficulties, particularly for elderly occupants and those with medical conditions who required multiple attempts to gather necessities.

Responding to these concerns, Tang emphasized that public safety remains the top priority but acknowledged the humanitarian need for flexibility. “We have listened to the residents,” he said. “If someone needs to go back more than once to get what they truly need — medicine, identity papers, or items for vulnerable family members — we will facilitate that, as long as it is done safely and under supervision.”

To support the re-entry process, the Housing Department has established a command centre at the estate’s entrance, coordinating with fire services, social workers, and volunteer groups. Designated assembly points and sheltered walkways have been set up to guide residents safely to and from their blocks. Volunteer teams, registered through the Social Welfare Department, are now permitted to accompany residents during their visits, a clarification issued after earlier confusion over whether such assistance would be allowed.

Under the current plan, access will be staggered by block and floor, with specific time slots assigned to each household to prevent overcrowding. Residents will be required to wear protective gear, including masks and helmets, and will be escorted by trained personnel at all times. The three-hour limit per visit remains in place to reduce exposure to potential hazards, but the allowance for multiple trips marks a significant adjustment to the initial protocol.

Officials have urged residents to cooperate with safety instructions and to prioritize essential items during their returns. The Housing Department said it would continue to assess structural integrity daily and adjust access rules accordingly. Temporary accommodation remains available for those unable to return to their units, with relief supplies distributed through district centres and non-governmental organizations.

The Wing Fuk Court fire is among the most serious residential blazes in Hong Kong in recent years, prompting renewed discussions about fire safety standards in older public housing estates. While investigations into the cause are ongoing, authorities have confirmed that no evidence of foul play has been found to date.