In the aftermath of Hong Kong’s most devastating residential fire in decades, a story of canine rescue has emerged as a poignant symbol of hope. Jacky Lee, a 43-year-old airline engineer, experienced an emotional rollercoaster when the Wang Fuk Court complex—her residential estate—became engulfed in flames that would claim at least 151 lives and rage for over 40 hours.
Upon hearing news of the inferno, Lee immediately rushed back to save Jason, her 15-year-old grey poodle left inside their 27th-floor apartment. She joined anxious residents at a temporary shelter where a district councillor delivered the grim news that pet rescue operations had been suspended due to intensifying flames.
Just as hope seemed lost, Lee received an unexpected phone call from a firefighter confirming they had located her dog in unit 2703 of the Wang Kin House tower. The rescue team had been guided by handwritten notes Lee had posted throughout her apartment identifying her pet.
The following day, Jason was delivered safely into Lee’s arms by volunteers, trembling but physically unharmed. ‘He was still shaking when I saw him from afar, then I called his name, he saw me and stopped. Then he smiled,’ Lee recounted to AFP, describing her overwhelming emotional response to the reunion.
The successful rescue operation highlighted broader concerns about pet welfare during emergencies. Hong Kong’s social media platforms were flooded with posts from distressed pet owners throughout the 40-hour blaze, while animal welfare organizations worked tirelessly to match rescued animals with their families.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) reported that 209 animals were extracted from the burned complex, with 63 fatalities among various species including dogs, cats, fish, and hamsters.
District Councillor Lau Chun-hoi emphasized animals’ ‘very strong will to live’ and proposed measures to support remaining strays within the damaged structures. The tragedy has sparked calls for improved emergency protocols for pets, with Lee advocating for pet-friendly temporary housing arrangements for displaced residents.
Despite psychological trauma that has left the poodle timid and clingy, veterinary examination confirmed Jason suffered only mild dehydration and has since returned to his normal disposition—a small victory amid overwhelming tragedy.