Event: Massive multi-tower high-rise fire; firefighter line-of-duty death (LODD)
Jurisdiction: Hong Kong Fire Services Department (HKFSD)
Location: Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po District, Hong Kong SAR
Date/Time: Wed, Nov 26, 2025, ignition reported ~2:51 p.m. HKT; operations continued into Thu, Nov 27.
Summary
- A wind-driven, renovation-involved fire spread across multiple 31-story residential towers at Wang Fuk Court. Initial reporting noted 7 of 8 blocks affected, with residents trapped. Firehouse
- As of Nov 27, 2025 (U.S. ET), officials report at least 75 fatalities and 77 injured, with hundreds still unaccounted for; figures are evolving. The Washington Post
LODD (Firefighter)
- Name: Ho Wai-ho, 37 (HKFSD). Hong Kong leaders publicly honored his service. Firehouse+1
Operations Snapshot
- Early operational tally: ~767 firefighters, 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances, ~400 police on scene amid extreme heat and falling debris. Firehouse
- Later update: >1,250 firefighters and 26 SAR teams ultimately mobilized. The Washington Post
Suspected Contributing Factors (emerging)
- Ongoing renovation scaffolding (bamboo/mesh) and flammable foam/insulation likely accelerated vertical and horizontal fire spread; some windows reportedly sealed during works. Three men arrested on suspicion of manslaughter tied to renovation practices. Reuters+1
Current Status
- Fire largely contained by Nov 27, but search and rescue and accountability investigations continue. The Washington Post
Guidance / Notes for MES Audience
- This is an international event with rapidly changing casualty figures; cite time-stamped sources in any customer-facing comms.
- Operational takeaways for high-rise incidents under renovation: scaffolding and external coverings, combustible façade/foam, restricted egress/windows, and falling debris markedly increase responder risk—consider for training briefs and customer risk-reduction consults. Politico
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