Wang Fuk Rises From The Ashes

     The recent fires at the Wang Fuk Court complex in Hong Kong have been among the deadliest in the city's history.
     The fire started on a lower-level scaffolding net and spread rapidly, leading to a significant loss of life and the evacuation of residents.
     The investigation into the fire is ongoing, with authorities looking into factors such as fire resistance standards and potential criminal involvement.
     The city's leadership has expressed condolences and urged efforts to minimize casualties and losses.
News of the horrific fires in Hong Kong last week have spread far and wide, with dramatic headlines describing large numbers of victims.
     Fortunately as rescue workers dug deeper into the affected areas some people who were feared lost were found, not to be at home as the flames consumed large number of dwellings at Wang Fuk.
     Often when terrible things occur, humanity takes over and Hong Kong was no exception as there emerged large numbers of people out to help others work their way through a devastating tragedy.
     A Filipino helper who had arrived in Hong Kong just a few days earlier to start working for a family in one of the blocks was trapped home alone with a newborn baby that at great personal risk she protected until they both were rescued.
     The deployment of over 700 firemen working around the clock to bring the fires under control, backed up by 1000+ police, recorded several instances of saving lives whilst managing to command the overall situation.
     Sadly, one fireman lost his life.
     Now in Hong Kong today a massive outpouring of financial and physical support from both the Hong Kong government, and everyday people from all over China and elsewhere in the world has been noted.
     Media coverage has reported buildings were covered in bamboo scaffolding, a legacy of Hong Kong's construction methodology, that was the probable cause of the spectacular fire.
     But a closer look reveals that the real issue of the fire was igniting polystyrene boards that block off windows in the common areas.
     Once ignited these boards emitted toxic smoke and flames shattering the glass behind them that witnesses said “absolutely fueled the fire”.
     Hong Kong Wang Fuk neighborhood today has a sea of buildings clad in this manner, both under construction and in tear down stage as major renovations were underway in this block built 40+ years ago.
     Today in Hong Kong there are currently more than 40,000 residential high-rise blocks.
     By comparison New York has less than 10,000.
     Over the years Hong Kong is no stranger to both natural and man-made catastrophes.
     When I first arrived in Hong Kong 50 years ago, many of the hillsides were covered with squatter houses from refugees who had arrived from China.
Hong Kong, it should also be said lives smack dab in the middle of a typhoon alley.
     Today owing to the enormous density of residential, office and commercial properties Hong Kong provides well equipped and proactive fire services with staff and equipment that is second to none, with a very robust inspection program for compliance with fire safety regulations.
     So now a massive program to provide the occupants of Wang Fuk Court with temporary accommodation, and other support as needed is in full swing.
     Police have arrested three key parties from the company responsible for the renovation work, these along with a number of others are now under investigation by the Hong Kong Independent Commission on Corruption particularly in regard it seems to the non-compliance of the green netting to fire retarding properties.
     But it’s the human side of the story and the indomitable courage of Hong Kongers that care for each as they mourn together and extend a helping hand toward recovery pictured here that tugs at the heart as the story unfolds.
Bob Rogers

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