Why no disaster alarm was raised in Tai Po fire, probe hears – as it happened

The inquiry into the deadly Tai Po fire in Hong Kong revealed critical lapses in the Fire Services Department’s response and oversight. The fire, which erupted on November 26, 2025, consumed seven of the estate’s eight buildings undergoing renovation, resulting in 168 deaths—including a firefighter—and displacing nearly 5,000 residents. During the 18th day of hearings at Wang Fuk Court, three fire officers testified about the department’s handling of fire hazards and equipment inspections, highlighting systemic issues in communication and enforcement. Assistant Director Michael Yung Kam-hung acknowledged that complaints from residents about combustible construction materials and workers’ smoking were not addressed by the Fire Services Department but were instead considered the responsibility of the Independent Checking Unit and the Labour Department. However, Yung admitted that the division of responsibilities between these agencies was not clearly defined, leading to confusion among frontline staff about their respective duties. This lack of clarity contributed to inadequate supervision of fire risks during the renovation. Further testimony revealed that the Fire Services Department’s initial inspections following contractors’ reports of fire equipment shutdowns were superficial, relying solely on contractors’ descriptions without verifying the defects. Additionally, a rare and significant damage was found on firefighter Ho Wai-ho’s breathing apparatus, specifically to the gas cylinder valve and handwheel, raising concerns about equipment safety and maintenance. The inquiry also touched on broader regulatory challenges, including difficulties enforcing fire safety under existing laws and gaps in supervision that allowed hazardous materials like polyfoam to be used unchecked. These revelations underscore systemic weaknesses in Hong Kong’s fire safety governance and the urgent need for clearer roles, stricter enforcement, and improved inter-agency coordination to prevent future tragedies.