A fire on November 26, 2025, at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong killed 168 people, marking the deadliest residential building fire worldwide since 1980 [1, 2, 3, 4]. The blaze engulfed seven of the eight high-rise blocks undergoing renovation, which were covered in bamboo scaffolding, foam boards, and protective netting [1, 2, 3, 4].

A judge-led inquiry panel determined that almost all fire safety measures failed due to human error during the renovation project [1, 2, 3, 4]. The fire likely started from an improperly discarded lit cigarette [1, 2, 3, 4]. Fire alarms and hose systems had been switched off, and foam boards blocked residents’ visibility, worsening the danger [1, 2, 3, 4].

Lead counsel Victor Dawes said contractors "knowingly created a massive fire risk by using non-fire-retardant netting on the facade" and failed to stop workers from smoking or properly disposing of combustible waste [1]. Windows in staircases were removed to aid workers, allowing smoke and fire to spread faster [1, 2, 3, 4].

The inquiry found that the main escape route was compromised and that contractor deceit, inaction, and deliberate omissions contributed significantly to the disaster’s severity [1, 2, 3, 4]. Residents had reported issues prior to the fire, but their complaints were ignored or passed between government departments without resolution [4].

The government acknowledged some responsibility due to systemic failures and reliance on contractors’ self-regulation. Government counsel Jenkin Suen said, "It would be prejudicial and unfair to put all the blame on public authorities," while noting weaknesses in the system [1, 2, 3, 4].

Dawes said, "The disaster was preventable but not prevented, and foreseeable but not foreseen," adding, "A disaster of this scale should not have occurred and should never occur again" [1, 2].

The inquiry took place between March and July 2026, with closing arguments delivered mid-July [1, 2, 3, 4]. A dispute remains over the number of sessions held, with sources citing either five or over 30 sessions [1, 4].

Lawyers emphasized that failures by private contractors and gaps in government oversight combined to cause the catastrophic fire [1, 2, 3, 4]. The panel's final report calls for improved regulation and accountability in renovation safety.

The Hong Kong government will next consider regulatory reforms and safety measures to prevent similar fires, responding to the inquiry’s findings.