What have people done to help with the recent Tai Po fire, and how can you help?

By Ashleigh Leung

On November 26, 2025, at 2:51 pm, a five-alarm fire - Hong Kong’s deadliest in over 70 years - broke out at Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court and was finally extinguished at 10:18 am two days later. As of November 30, at least 146, including a firefighter, are confirmed dead, most being residents trapped in their apartments during the blaze. Over 2000 firefighters were involved in this operation, 150 remain missing, 79 were injured, including 12 firefighters, 11 were arrested, with at least 16 bodies remaining in the buildings of the apartment after the city's worst blaze in decades. Due to this tragic disaster, the local government has declared a three-day mourning period starting on November 29, with a three-minute silence initiated by officials to mark the start of this period. The flags of China and Hong Kong were also lowered to half-mast at that time. Authorities had stated that investigations would be happening over the next few weeks, but in the meantime, what have people done to help those in need?

Community members support one another in various possible ways - physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially - during large crises. The government has established a fund with designated bank accounts contributing HK$300 million to assist Wang Fuk Court residents and support all relevant works. Many local initiatives and fundraisers from reputable organisations are raising money through online and offline donations to help victims, and several trustworthy local NGOs have lent a helping hand to those in need. But how do they work?

*大埔宏福苑援助基金. (2025, November 30). 大埔宏福苑援助基金. [TV advertisement]. HOY TV.*

Feeding Hong Kong is seeking financial assistance to purchase food, personal items, meals, and supermarket vouchers for those in need. It is also accepting donations of ready-to-eat food, such as crackers, cup noodles, and instant soup. All financial contributions donated to the Hong Kong Red Cross will support affected residents through first aid services, emergency cash assistance, daily essential supplies, psychological support services, and post-disaster recovery assistance. Additionally, RCHK’s RAPT is collecting donations for relief funds by selling various products, including teddy bears, baked goods, ice cream, and Christmas decorations.

*[Online donations supporting Tai Po relief]. (n.d.). AlipayHK. https://www.alipayhk.com/en/shoppers/*

Many lost their homes due to this tragic disaster. Still, a community relief network in Tai Po was established by a group of local citizens who volunteered to help, doing everything possible to assist victims by providing donated supplies from citizens, free counselling services and medical care.

*世紀大火 (No. 483) [TV series episode]. (2025, November 30). In 經緯線. ViuTV.*

Makeshift distribution centres have also been established, providing items ranging from blankets to medical kits, food, and baby products. There were even restaurants in the area that offered free food for those living in temporary shelters while they waited for their homes to be rebuilt, so that they could return to their apartments.

So what can you do to help? You can help those victims by donating money and essential supplies, or by joining local community relief networks to assist in distributing materials and providing emotional support for those affected. Participating in fundraising activities is another effective way to contribute, as these efforts raise funds that go directly to relief efforts. Spreading awareness through social media encourages others to contribute to help. Together, these actions can help rebuild lives and restore hope for the residents of Wang Fuk Court.