Recalling the start of the fire, an elderly resident said she was alone at home, taking a nap, at that time. Hearing the alarm sound with smoke coming out, she immediately called the estate office for an inquiry and fled in panic. An Indian resident pointed out that she heard from her neighbours that the fire source was suspected to be caused by someone smoking and gradually spread to the whole scaffolding.
The No.5 Alarm Fire in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post
Residents are waiting at the scene for upcoming information after escaping from their home, Photo by Bastille Post
The site of the fire, Wang Fuk Court is undergoing extensive repair currently. Eight buildings are surrounded by scaffolding. According to the website of the Incorporated Owners of Wang Fuk Court, as of the 10th of this month, the buildings are also undergoing interior wall painting, exterior wall plastering and spraying, and laying mosaic tiles.
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The No.5 Alarm Fire in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post
Residents are waiting at the scene for upcoming information after escaping from their home, Photo by Bastille Post
Ms. Ng, Photo by Bastille Post
Jaur Harjit, Photo by Bastille Post
Mr. Wong, Photo by Bastille Post
Residents have been evacuated to the nearby area. Photo by Bastille Post
The community hall is now open to residents for shelter. Photo by Bastille Post
Ms. Ng, Photo by Bastille Post
Ms. Ng, a resident of the No.3 Building, said that the incident occurred around 3 p.m. At that time, she was taking a nap in her house. Hearing the fire alarm sound with smoke coming out, she immediately called the estate office for inquiry. Realizing a fire accident was happening, she fled at once. "Hearing the fire alarm sound and seeing the smoke, I immediately decided to flee. Fortunately, I made the right choice." said by Ms. Ng.
Jaur Harjit, Photo by Bastille Post
Jaur Harjit, an Indian resident of the No.8 Building, pointed out that she, her husband and son were all inside the house when the incident happened. While her son was sleeping, her husband heard the alarm sound and noticed some smoke was coming out. Realizing it might be the signal of a fire accident, he fled immediately. "We are lucky enough to flee at the last minute," she said. It was the first time for her to encounter a fire alarm in Hong Kong. Even her daughter was very panicked about the situation. According to Jaur Harjit, she heard from her neighbours saying that the fire source was suspected to be caused by someone smoking and gradually spread to the whole scaffolding.
Mr. Wong, Photo by Bastille Post
The resident, Mr. Wong, said that he was worried and came back to check the situation of his home upon hearing the news of the fire alarm. Fortunately, all his family members were out working, and the fire just temporarily affected the building he lived in. He was still observing the scene with anxiety and would need to stay at his friend's home tonight.
Residents have been evacuated to the nearby area. Photo by Bastille Post
The resident, Mr. Gaan, said that he felt quite nervous about looking for his family. In his eyes, since the buildings had all been surrounded by scaffolding for extensive repair, "if there were workers smoking or any other situation just happened, it would catch fire easily." Some residents also said that the fire broke out first at Wang Cheong House, and then spread to Wang Sun House and Wang Tai House, with most of the units affected as well.
The community hall is now open to residents for shelter. Photo by Bastille Post
