On the afternoon of November 26, 2025, a level-5 fire broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong, sweeping across seven buildings and causing multiple fatalities and injuries. In the aftermath, churches and Christian organizations in Hong Kong responded promptly, launching emergency relief and prayer services and offering psychological support, temporary shelter, and rescue assistance to affected residents.
According to CCTV News, the Hong Kong Fire Services Department reported on Thursday that as of 3:02 pm on November 27, the blaze had claimed 55 lives and injured 72 others, including one firefighter who died during the rescue. It is the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in at least 63 years, and police have arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter. The Hong Kong government's preliminary assessment indicates that the rapid spread of the fire was largely linked to the protective materials and foam panels used in the exterior wall construction. The exact cause of the blaze remains under further investigation.
Following the disaster, numerous churches and Christian organizations in Hong Kong quickly mobilized relief and care efforts, working with community groups to provide comprehensive support to affected residents. Participating churches included the Church of Christ in China Kwong Fuk Church, Tai Po Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, North Point Alliance Church, Remembrance of Grace Centre, Lai Wo Church of the Hong Kong Chinese Church of Christ, Starry Love Church, Tai Po Baptist Church, Chinese Rhenish Church Tai Po Kam Fuk, and the Yan Tsuen Neighbourhood Centre of the Hong Kong Evangelical Church.
The faith-based Breakthrough Counselling Centre also launched a post-disaster psychological and emotional support hotline.
In addition, the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong joined the relief efforts by opening the Wu Kai Sha Youth Village, offering up to 900 temporary accommodation spaces for affected residents. The organization has also set up a 24-hour support hotline and an overnight outreach hotline for social worker assistance.
Church bodies, seminaries, and other Christian institutions across Hong Kong have issued prayers, standing with believers in interceding for and supporting the victims in Tai Po. "Our hearts are with all affected families, trapped residents, and the courageous rescue personnel."
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited and translated by Poppy Chan
