The devastating five-alarm blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district on November 27, 2025, has left a profound impact on the community. The fire, which raged for over 24 hours, has so far claimed 128 lives and injured 79 people, with 150 people still missing (as of November 29, 2025), marking it as one of Hong Kong's most severe disasters in six decades. As residents grapple with immense loss and uncertainty, the Hong Kong community has swiftly rallied to provide comfort and essential support. They confront not only the loss of their homes and possessions but also the immeasurable grief of losing loved ones.
Community's Immediate Response
The scale of the tragedy prompted an immediate outpouring of concern. Upon watching the ongoing fire in Hong Kong, Master Cheng Yen expressed her deep concern:
This is an immense tragedy. How could a fire be so difficult to contain? The residents must be living in great fear. We must pray sincerely that the flames can be controlled soon so they may begin to rebuild their homes.
She emphasized that the most urgent need was not material aid, but the warmth of human kindness—a steady presence, a caring word, a gentle blessing. She stressed that these are the strengths that can soothe frightened hearts and bring comfort amid uncertainty.
While the fire was still raging, with black smoke billowing and the air thick with the smell of burning, Tzu Chi volunteers in Hong Kong mobilized. They arrived at the perimeter of Wang Fuk Court, offering prayers and comforting messages to affected residents from a safe distance, as police cordons prevented closer access. Their presence has aimed to stabilize hearts and minds during a period of intense fear and confusion.
Tzu Chi volunteers provide comfort and share Jing Si Aphorisms with affected residents at the fire relief site. | Photos: Tzu Chi Hong Kong
Providing Essential Aid
In the days following the fire, Tzu Chi Hong Kong launched a massive relief and fundraising campaign, "Fire is merciless, but there is love in the world." This initiative seeks to provide urgent assistance and emotional support to survivors and the families of the deceased.
The campaign includes distributing 5,000HKD (approx. 642USD) in aid to affected households and 20,000HKD (approx. 2,569USD) in condolence support for bereaved families, aiming to offer a starting point for their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Volunteers quickly set up a distribution point at C.C.C. Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School, providing eco-friendly blankets, clothing, and scarves to those displaced. Among the recipients was an elderly couple who shared that they had escaped with nothing, finding warmth and solace only in the blankets and supplies provided by the volunteers.
The relief efforts have also seen participation from unexpected quarters. Hsiao-Mei Yang (楊曉媚), a Tzu Chi volunteer from the United Kingdom, who was on holiday in Hong Kong, immediately joined the relief work. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the community during such a challenging time. Another individual, Mary, a foreign worker, recognized Tzu Chi from a recycling station in the Philippines and was grateful to receive assistance and help her compatriots in Hong Kong.
As night fell and temperatures dropped, volunteers continued their distribution efforts, patiently seeking out those most in need. Many young people spontaneously stepped forward to help transport and distribute supplies, embodying the spirit of unity and mutual support.
LEFT: Tzu Chi volunteers have quickly mobilized to organize and distribute aid supplies to the survivors gathered at C.C.C. Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School. RIGHT: Responding to the colder evening temperatures, volunteers have been distributing warm blankets and scarves, joined by young people assisting in the relief effort. | Photos: Tzu Chi Hong Kong
A Community United
The fire at Wang Fuk Court has brought immense sorrow, but it has also highlighted the resilience and compassion within the Hong Kong community. Tzu Chi Hong Kong continues to appeal for donations, emphasizing that every contribution, no matter how small, provides crucial support and encouragement for survivors. The collective effort aims to bring hope and strength to the residents of Tai Po, helping them navigate this difficult period and rebuild their lives with renewed courage.
If you wish to offer blessings and care to those affected, you can join Tzu Chi's relief efforts by donating directly to Tzu Chi Hong Kong:
Written by Yi-Ting Wang (王藝婷)
