Firefighters worked to put out a blaze at Wang Fuk Court, a housing complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district, on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. CTV
Canadians with ties to Hong Kong continue to follow heartbreaking updates after a massive fire tore through seven highrise towers in the Tai Po district. The blaze killed at least 44 people and left nearly 280 missing. Many in Canada with family or memories in the city say the tragedy feels personal.
In Vancouver, former Hong Kong legislator Albert Wai Yip Chan said tall buildings in his hometown have long raised safety concerns. He noted that many older towers still lack sprinklers. Chan watched videos showing flames racing up the buildings and heavy smoke filling the sky. “I wish the injured people could have a speedy recovery,” he said. “It’s a tragedy.” He added that stronger building management rules could help prevent future disasters.
A Deadly Blaze With Fast-Moving Flames
The fire started mid-afternoon Wednesday and spread quickly. Officials raised it to a level-5 emergency, the highest local category. Hundreds evacuated as firefighters struggled against heat, falling debris and unstable scaffolding.
Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Fire Service operations, said falling objects created serious danger for crews. “The temperature inside the buildings concerned is very high,” he said. “It’s quite difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs to conduct firefighting and rescue operations.”
Many Canadian families worried as news developed. An estimated 300,000 Canadian citizens currently live in Hong Kong. Officials have not confirmed whether any Canadians died.
Painful Memories Resurface
The disaster reminded many Hong Kong Canadians of past tragedies. Coquitlam resident Aiken Lau said he cried as a teenager during the 1996 Garley Building fire. Seeing similar images again brought the same fear and sadness. “I left very heartbroken when I first saw the news,” he said. Lau still feels strong ties to the city despite leaving more than 20 years ago. “I hope the missing people could be found as soon as possible,” he said.
Investigators say the blaze began in bamboo scaffolding on a 32-storey tower. Strong winds pushed flames upward and across nearby buildings. Lau said many people now question how the fire moved so fast and why safety barriers failed.
Leaders in Canada Respond
Richmond Centre — Marpole MP Chak Au expressed his grief online. The former Hong Kong professor said the news struck close to home. Au noted the fire site sits only a few transit stops from the university where he once worked. His son works as a firefighter in Richmond, which made the loss of a firefighter in the Hong Kong blaze even more painful. “My heartfelt condolences to all who lost loved ones,” he said. He hopes rescuers can still reach survivors.
Search for Answers Begins
Hong Kong’s chief executive John Lee said the scene is slowly coming under control. He promised a full investigation. Local reports say police arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter as part of the probe.
Lau said he fears the death toll may grow. He recalled reading about the deadly 1962 Sham Shui Po fire, which killed 44 people. “I am extremely worried that the latest fire might break the record of 1962,” he said. “It’s devastating.”
