The Current What to know about the deadly fire in Hong Kong
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Nov 27, 2025 In this insightful discussion, James Griffiths, Asia correspondent for The Globe and Mail, offers a gripping account of the recent deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong. He describes the chaotic rescue efforts and the heart-wrenching visuals of the blaze. Griffiths delves into the community's response, revealing resident complaints about safety issues with renovations and bamboo scaffolding. He also discusses the alarming arrests linked to alleged negligence and draws parallels to the Grenfell fire, highlighting broader safety concerns in urban housing.
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Massive, Visible Inferno Across The Estate
- The blaze turned 32-story public housing blocks into towering, candle-like infernos visible miles away.
- James Griffiths said firefighters battled huge smoke plumes and could only enter buildings after many hours to search for victims.
Close-Knit Public Housing Community
- Wong Fook Court houses mostly working- and middle-class families in a close-knit public housing estate.
- James Griffiths observed volunteers and neighbors mobilizing immediately to support residents with supplies and shelter.
Scaffolding And Netting Fueled Rapid Spread
- Extensive bamboo scaffolding and mesh nets wrapped eight buildings, creating a continuous fuel path.
- Griffiths noted the mesh net burned rapidly and helped the fire leap between towers far faster than firefighters could respond.