Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for intensified rescue operations following a fatal residential fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po district that killed 14 people, including a firefighter, on November 26, 2025. The blaze, which broke out in a high-rise building, prompted an immediate emergency response from local authorities.
In his capacity as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Xi directed central government institutions to fully support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government's firefighting and relief efforts. He specifically instructed the Liaison Office to convey condolences to victims' families and recognize the sacrifice of the 37-year-old firefighter who perished while evacuating residents.
The HKSAR government activated its emergency response system within minutes of receiving the 2:51 p.m. alert. Firefighters escalated the incident to a No. 5 alarm fire by 6:22 p.m. as flames engulfed multiple floors. Rescue teams continue working at the site amid challenging conditions.
Central government agencies have established a dedicated task force to coordinate cross-departmental support, including medical assistance for the injured and temporary housing arrangements for displaced residents. Chief Executive John Lee confirmed all available resources are being deployed to manage the crisis.
This tragedy marks one of Hong Kong's deadliest fires in recent years, with investigations into the cause already underway. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in urban fire safety as the city continues to modernize its aging building infrastructure.
