A warehouse blaze in Tin Shui Wai that injured two people was “largely put out” on Wednesday morning, after raging for more than 20 hours, the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD) has announced.
Wong Yu-fai, the FSD’s New Territories West division commander, told reporters on Tuesday that they received reports of a fire at a warehouse in Ha Tsuen, Tin Shui Wai, at around 12.40pm and arrived at the scene in about five minutes.
The blaze – which covered around 200 metres by 200 metres – was upgraded to a No. 3 alarm fire less than an hour later, just after 1.30pm.
Fifty people evacuated safely on their own, while firefighters rescued five dogs and returned them to their owners.
A total of 430 firefighters and medics, 94 fire engines, and nine ambulances were deployed to the scene.
Two people were injured, including a warehouse worker who suffered second-degree burns on his back and neck. He was taken to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment.
A firefighter also reported feeling unwell, believed to be due to smoke inhalation.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
Wong said the warehouse contained mostly electrical appliances, clothing and other items, and there were no findings of toxic chemicals released in the blaze.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Wednesday morning, the FSD said that the fire “was under control at 8.28am, and largely put out at 10am.”
“Firefighters will continue to spray water at the scene to lower the temperature and prevent [the fire] from reigniting,” the post read. “The Fire Services Department’s investigation team will also begin an investigation at the site.”
