The latest final report from the cross-departmental investigation task force of the Independent Committee on the Tai Po fire in Hong Kong has been released, concluding that the fire was likely caused by a cigarette butt, and that flammable materials accelerated the spread of the blaze.
China News Service reported on the 8th that the report points out, based on the available evidence, it is inferred that the fire started on the platform outside units 104 and 105 of Hong Cheung Court. Debris was piled up there to a height of 2 meters, including safety nets and foam boards covering the windows.
The report finds that this fire was most likely an accident, caused by a cigarette butt igniting combustible materials at the scene. The specific time the fire started cannot be determined, but based on witness statements and CCTV footage, it is inferred that it may have ignited between 2:30pm and 2:43pm that afternoon.
On November 26, 2025, in the afternoon, a fire broke out at several residential blocks of Hong Fuk Court in Tai Po Estate, New Territories, Hong Kong, resulting in a large number of casualties. In December of the same year, John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, announced the establishment of an independent committee to review the cause of the fire, hold responsible parties accountable, and propose prevention recommendations.