Preliminary observations on a big tall residential complex fire

A big fire occurred [e.g. 1] in a tall residential complexes in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) afternoon of 26 November, 2025. There are 8 tall buildings under refurbishment since July 2024. Bamboo scaffolding and safety netting were erected around all building facades. A fire occurred in a flat first and spread vertically up to affect other flats at the same block. The fire then horizontally across with 7 of the 8 buildings involved. The fire was upgraded to alarm number 5 by the Fire Service Department (FSD) and deployed over 200 fire trucks and 177 ambulances. Over 2000 firefighters were sent to take emergency action. The burning duration was over about 44 hours. As reported [e.g. 2,3], 159 people including a firefighter in the line of duty have died, 79 injured including 11 firefighters. 31 people are reported missing. This fire is considered the deadliest in Hong Kong in at least 63 years. Investigation started after controlling the fire. Information available is limited at the moment. Only several insights gained from observations outside, and occasional news released by the government [4]. For example, preliminary investigation discovered highly flammable styrofoam cloaking lift windows on every floor. The foam was suspected to spread fire rapidly.