The tragic fire in Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court housing complex on 26 Nov 2025 claimed 146 lives. It serves as a reminder to us of the catastrophic consequences when fire safety measures are inadequate.
The buildings had been cladded in bamboo scaffolding draped with nylon netting for renovation and windows covered by polystyrene panels during repairs. Fire alarms in the buildings were also found faulty. The fire started on a lower-level scaffolding net of one of the buildings and then spread rapidly inside as the foam panels caught fire and blew out the windows. Winds helped the flames jump from building to building and soon seven of the eight were engulfed.
What companies should do?
(A) Fire Risk Assessment
- Identify fire hazard e.g. potential ignition and fuel sources
- Evaluate fire risk taking into account existing control measures
- Implement fire risk controls to reduce risks to an acceptable level.
(B) Control Ignition Sources
- Prohibit smoking at critical work areas
- Inspect and replace damaged electrical apparatus and accessories
- Implement a Permit-To-Work (PTW) System
- Ensure proper bonding and grounding to prevent static build-up
(C) Manage fuel sources
- Practice good storage of flammable materials
- Implement proper housekeeping
- Use fire-retardant materials
