Rehousing plan for Tai Po fire victims coming in ‘near term,’ says leader John Lee as another patient discharged

2026-02-13 - 09:58

Chief Executive John Lee says he will announce rehousing plans for victims displaced by the Tai Po fire “in the near term,” adding that he has ordered the taskforce overseeing resettlement to work “non-stop” over the Lunar New Year break. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee meets the press on April 8, 2025. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Lee said the taskforce had received feedback from most of the families affected by the deadly blaze, and were now analysing their comments. “I’ve also told them that I order them to work non-stop over the Lunar New Year, to devise a proposal that... can address residents’ needs,” he said in Cantonese. Lee was meeting reporters after visiting Wang Fuk Court residents temporarily staying at Runway 1331, a youth hostel in Kai Tak that was a former Covid-19 quarantine facility. The deadly fire, which killed 168 people when it broke out in November, left thousands of residents displaced. They are now scattered across the city, many of them living in short-term accommodation arranged by the government in districts from Aberdeen to Ma On Shan. Authorities believe that the rapid spread of the flames was exacerbated by substandard foam board and construction netting. Temporary homes Lee said the residents at the Kai Tak hostel were pleased with the living environment there, but were looking forward to learning what their long-term resettlement plans would look like. See also: Residents of fire-hit estate urge accountability, compensation as review committee holds first public meeting In coming up with long-term arrangements, Lee said authorities had to consider matters such as property rights, as well as legal and insurance matters. A paper kite flies over Wang Fuk Court on January 30, 2026. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Top officials from government departments would visit the temporary homes of those affected by the fire ahead of the Lunar New Year break to understand their needs, discuss policies and offer their good wishes, Lee added. Hong Kong authorities distributed a questionnaire to Wang Fuk Court flat owners last month, floating nine permanent rehousing options for homeowners, including cross-district “flat-for-flat” relocation, in-district relocation, and on-site redevelopment. On Tuesday, Lee said a “significant proportion” of homeowners at the fire-hit residential complex were willing to consider a government buyout. Another patient discharged Also on Friday, the Health Bureau said one more resident injured in the fire had been discharged from the hospital, leaving just one person hospitalised. In total, 79 people were hospitalised due to the fire, according to a statement. “I am very pleased that one more resident injured in the fire has been discharged from hospital before the Chinese New Year,” Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau said. Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po on December 3, 2025, one week after a deadly fire hit the housing estate. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Hong Kong is nearing three months since the deadly fire made headlines around the world and shed light on issues such as corruption in renovation projects. At the time of the fire, Wang Fuk Court was undergoing a major renovation project. Authorities said substandard construction netting and flammable foam boards, used in an apparent attempt to cut costs, were believed to have accelerated the spread of the fire. Last Thursday, a government committee probing the cause of the fire held its first public meeting. Judge David Lok, who chairs the committee, invited residents to submit applications to give evidence in the proceedings. The independent committee was ordered to be set up by Hong Kong leader John Lee days after the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire broke out last November. Critics have questioned whether the committee’s powers would be sufficient, as it was not set up under the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance, meaning it lacks the statutory powers needed to summon witnesses to testify.