Tai Po inquiry sheds more light on final moments of firefighter Ho Wai-ho

An inquiry into Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades has unveiled more details about the final moments of firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who perished while bravely battling the blaze at Wang Fuk Court last November. The interim report from an interdepartmental fire investigation task force, released by the government-appointed independent committee on Thursday, featured images of Ho's gear recovered from the scene.

The report indicated that Ho's uniform showed severe fire damage, likely due to prolonged exposure to hot or burning objects. The report commended Ho's selflessness, noting that he prioritized saving lives over his own safety in the face of perilous conditions. Ho's PBI Matrix tunic and trousers, designed to withstand extreme temperatures briefly, were heavily compromised, as were his anti-flash hood and helmet, with only a cracked visor observed.

His rubber boots may also have been in contact with intense heat for an extended period, beyond their protective capacity. The fire had penetrated deep into the buildings and corridors, causing extensive damage to the interiors of the flats, with some exteriors intact. The photos revealed blackened walls, ceilings, and gates, floors covered in debris, and sections of walls that had fallen, exposing reinforcing bars.

Notably, windows and polystyrene coverings, believed to have exacerbated the fire in other areas, remained intact, indicating the fire's spread from within the flats.