HK Chief John Lee Leads Tributes for Hero Firefighter Ho Wai-ho Killed in Tragic Tai Po Blaze

Hong Kong Mourns Hero Firefighter Lost in Tai Po Blaze, Officials Pay Tribute

Hong Kong is in mourning following the tragic death of firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, who bravely lost his life battling a ferocious No 5 alarm fire in a Tai Po estate. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and other senior officials have expressed profound sorrow and paid heartfelt tributes to Ho's "gallantry and selfless devotion to duty," highlighting the immense sacrifice made in the line of service.

A Valiant Effort Against a Raging Inferno

The devastating blaze erupted on Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, quickly escalating in intensity and spreading through the estate's eight towers. Firefighter Ho Wai-ho, a dedicated nine-year veteran of the Fire Services Department based at Sha Tin Fire Station, was among the first responders. He arrived at the scene on the ground floor of one of the affected blocks at 3:01 PM, just ten minutes after the fire was first reported.

Tragically, Ho lost contact with his team around 3:30 PM. A desperate search ensued, and he was found at 4:01 PM at Wang Cheong House, suffering from severe facial burns. He was immediately rushed to Prince of Wales Hospital in Sha Tin but was pronounced dead at 4:45 PM.

Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung Yan-kin confirmed the circumstances of Ho's death and noted that another firefighter had also been hospitalized due to heatstroke during the arduous operation. The fire, initially classified as a minor No 1 alarm, rapidly escalated to No 4 by 3:34 PM and then to a critical No 5 alarm at 6:22 PM, signifying its severe threat level and complexity. This incident also resulted in 13 total casualties, underscoring the extreme danger faced by emergency personnel and residents.

The outpouring of grief and respect from the community and government officials underscores the profound impact of Ho Wai-ho's sacrifice. His courage and unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property serve as a testament to the heroic spirit of Hong Kong's fire services.