Idy Yip, a 77-year-old resident of the Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, has been living with her cousin after a devastating fire ravaged her home and community just over a month ago. The fire, which occurred on November 26, 2025, claimed at least 161 lives, marking it as Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in nearly eighty years. Yip not only lost her home but also her husband and two beloved dogs, along with many friends and neighbours.
Describing the incident as a “disaster of the century,” Yip expressed her grief while visiting Tai Po Market to shop for groceries. The sight of the charred remains of Wang Fuk Court often brings her to tears, illustrating the deep emotional scars left on numerous residents who survived the tragic event. The fire displaced almost 2,000 families, prompting an outpouring of support from the community and the government, though many survivors are uncertain about their futures.
Residents like Rowena Li, aged 69, who has lived in Wang Fuk Court since its opening in 1983, are also feeling the weight of loss. Li described her home as a sanctuary where she raised her children, only to see it destroyed in the blaze. While she has secured temporary housing in Tin Wan, she acknowledges the challenges ahead, saying, “For me, I lost my home. But some have lost family members.”
The fire’s origins lie in ongoing renovations at the housing complex, which is now under investigation. Authorities have arrested multiple individuals connected to the renovations and the tragedy, raising questions about safety standards. Eyewitness accounts reflect the urgency of the situation; many residents were unprepared and struggled to escape as flames consumed their homes. Winky Li, another resident whose mother narrowly escaped the fire, is critical of the renovations, pointing to oversight failures that made the situation perilous.
As the community transitions to temporary housing arrangements provided by the government, emotional and logistical difficulties continue to mount. Many residents are trying to navigate complicated bureaucratic processes to assess their eligibility for compensation and housing assistance. While they are thankful for the support from social workers and volunteers, the immediate needs are still overwhelming.
The government has initiated an independent investigation to explore the cause of the fire and the adequacy of safety measures. However, many citizens remain skeptical about the investigation’s ability to bring about real accountability. Critics argue that without mechanisms to compel testimony and gather evidence, the findings may not lead to significant change.
Despite the adversity faced by the Wang Fuk Court community, stories of resilience and solidarity have emerged. Residents have banded together, helping each other cope through shared experiences, while others outside of their immediate circles have mobilized to provide assistance.
While the future of Wang Fuk Court remains uncertain, with considerations for rebuilding yet to be finalized, the psychological toll of the disaster will linger. For many survivors like Yip and Li, the desire to find a new place to call home comes with the burden of grief and the daunting task of moving forward. “You have to learn to adjust, to adapt,” Yip reflects, recognizing that this tragedy may test her resilience in unforeseen ways.