Hong Kong observed a day of profound mourning on Friday as the city paid final respects to Firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who made the ultimate sacrifice during last month’s catastrophic Tai Po residential fire that claimed 160 lives. The solemn ceremonies brought together government leaders, emergency personnel, and grieving citizens in a powerful display of communal solidarity.
The formal funeral service, organized by the Fire Services Department at Hung Hom’s Universal Funeral Parlour, commenced at 10 am with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu joining senior officials, Ho’s heartbroken family, and his fellow firefighters. The 37-year-old hero sustained fatal injuries on November 26 while conducting rescue operations at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po district.
In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, the Fire Services Department posthumously promoted Ho to the honorary rank of senior fireman. Having joined the department in 2016 and stationed at Sha Tin, Ho built a distinguished nearly nine-year career marked by exceptional dedication and participation in numerous critical rescue missions.
Public admiration manifested early as residents began gathering outside the funeral parlor by 8 am, many bringing floral tributes to honor the fallen first responder. The subsequent procession featured a fire-truck-turned-hearse carrying Ho’s flag-draped coffin, which paused at approximately 11:10 am near the scene of the tragic blaze for a poignant memorial ceremony. Firefighters stood at solemn attention while officials bowed in respect, with nearby footbridges filled with mourning citizens.
Among those paying respects was a Ms. Lee from adjacent Kwong Fuk Estate, who came to express gratitude for Ho’s sacrifice. She recounted how the acrid smoke from the November fire had permeated her home, creating an enduring sensory memory of the disaster.
The procession then proceeded to Sha Tin Fire Station, where Ho had been based. There, personnel from across Hong Kong bowed collectively as a fire bell sounded four times—three short rings followed by one long—symbolically releasing Ho from his duties. The final journey concluded at Gallant Garden in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery, the resting place reserved for government servants who die in service to Hong Kong.
At approximately 1:10 pm, six firefighters and two pallbearers carried Ho’s coffin to his final resting place, followed by his brother holding a portrait and his bereaved fiancée. In a touching final ritual, the flag covering the coffin was carefully folded and Ho’s service helmet was placed atop the lid, marking the formal end of his watch.