Hong Kong Wang Fuk Court Fire 36 Dead Bamboo Scaffolding Tai Po Disaster

Post by : Bianca Haleem

A devastating fire tore through the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, killing 36 people, including a firefighter, and leaving at least 15 others in critical condition.

The blaze reportedly began in bamboo scaffolding used for renovation work and spread rapidly across eight buildings, sending thick black smoke into the sky as windows exploded and debris rained down onto the streets below. Authorities raised the emergency response to the maximum alert level 5 as the situation escalated.

More than 100 fire trucks were deployed in a massive operation to contain the flames, while hundreds of residents were evacuated. Around 4,800 people were affected, with many forced into temporary shelters as the fire displaced entire blocks of residents.

Several survivors reported that fire alarms failed to activate, raising fresh concerns about safety systems in older residential developments. The fire later reignited, further complicating rescue and containment efforts.

The tragedy has reignited debate over the safety of bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong’s renovation industry, with renewed calls for stricter controls and a shift toward metal alternatives. The incident has also exposed wider urban fire risks linked to dense housing, aging infrastructure, and renovation hazards—deepening concerns over a growing fire safety crisis in the city.

Feb. 13, 2026 5:24 p.m. 112

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Hong Kong Wang Fuk Court Fire 36 Dead Bamboo Scaffolding Tai Po Disaster

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