Hong Kong fire victims await resettlement as Lunar New Year approaches

Officials say substandard scaffolding netting and foam boards helped the Nov. 26, 2025 blaze spread, and the fire left 168 people dead; residents of Wang Fuk Court are living in temporary housing while a government task force analyzes homeowners' resettlement survey replies.

The fire that struck the Wang Fuk Court housing complex on Nov. 26, 2025 killed 168 people and displaced many residents. Authorities have attributed the rapid spread to substandard scaffolding netting and foam boards used in a maintenance project. Hundreds of households are now in temporary accommodation and say they have not yet received clear long-term resettlement plans. The government says a task force has collected homeowners' survey replies and is analyzing preferences while an independent committee continues its investigation. Key points: - The Nov. 26, 2025 blaze at Wang Fuk Court resulted in 168 deaths and widespread displacement. - Officials have said substandard scaffolding netting and foam boards used during building maintenance played a role in the fire spreading. - Many residents are in temporary housing and have been surveyed about their resettlement preferences. - A government task force is analyzing the survey responses and an independent committee is investigating the cause; no timeline has been provided. Summary: The fire disrupted a long-standing, close-knit community and left many households temporarily housed across the city. The government task force reports it has received over 95% of homeowners' survey replies and is reviewing preferences while an independent committee continues its inquiry. Undetermined at this time.