In the face of Hong Kong’s most devastating blaze that engulfed the Wang Cheong House residential complex in Tai Po on November 26, 2025, firefighters demonstrated extraordinary courage and professionalism. Among them, Fireman Lee Ho-wah emerged as a symbol of bravery when he charged into what witnesses described as a ‘sea of fire’ to save trapped residents.
The inferno presented unprecedented challenges with falling bamboo scaffolding, concrete debris, and intense heat creating life-threatening conditions. Lee recounted the critical moment when he discovered an injured civilian collapsed during escape attempts. While shielding the victim from raining debris, Lee maintained constant communication to prevent the man from losing consciousness, repeatedly assuring him that ‘They are coming for us’ – a mantra that served both the victim and the rescuer.
The structural integrity of the building complex became increasingly compromised as flames consumed multiple levels, creating what firefighters characterized as an ever-deteriorating situation. Despite the visible strain and obvious dangers, Lee and his team from Tai Po Fire Station persisted in their rescue operations, ultimately successfully extracting multiple residents from the inferno.
This incident has highlighted the exceptional training and preparedness of Hong Kong’s emergency services when confronting urban fire disasters. The coordinated response involved specialized units including the Disaster Victims Identification Team, which subsequently conducted thorough investigations at the scene beginning November 28th. The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about fire safety protocols in high-density residential areas and the extraordinary sacrifices made by first responders.