Major high-rise fire

Posted October 24, 2025

A major fire broke out on Saturday afternoon, October 18, 2025, at Chinachem Tower in Hong Kong’s Central business district. Chinachem Tower is an established office building with retail uses at lower levels. It was not a brand-new building under construction in its entirety, but external works (scaffolding) were in place at the time of the fire which means renovation or maintenance work was being done.

Magnitude of the Fire

After the incident was reported, it was upgraded quickly to a No. 3 alarm as flames spread along exterior scaffolding. Heavy smoke and visible flames were reported across nearby streets and could be seen from across Victoria Harbour. Fire crews fought the blaze for several hours before it was brought under control.

Source and (Known) Cause

Eyewitnesses and initial reports say the fire started on scaffolding attached to the building. Authorities announced the blaze began on the building’s rear lane and that investigators are looking into the exact cause. At the time of this posting, a definitive ignition source had not been confirmed publicly.

Response to the Fire

The Fire Services Department dispatched a large response — reporting dozens of fire appliances and ambulances and roughly 184 firefighters and paramedics in total — and used drones to help monitor the scene. The alarm level (No. 3) brought extra crews and breathing-apparatus teams to attack the flames.

Injuries and Property Damage

At least four people were taken to the hospital with smoke inhalation or related complaints. Reports said two of the injured remained in critical condition. Dozens of people were evacuated to safety. Early building inspections indicated no obvious major structural damage to Chinachem Tower, though authorities said they would continue investigations.  

Tribute

Local reporting and official updates indicate the Fire Services Department responded quickly, upgraded the alarm promptly, rescued people trapped inside, deployed multiple jets and breathing-apparatus teams, and used drones for situational awareness — actions that appear to have limited the fire’s spread and prevented worse outcomes. 

The Buildings Department’s rapid checks finding the tower “structurally sound” after the blaze further suggests the incident was contained without catastrophic building damage. Investigations by authorities will determine whether any safety or regulatory shortfalls contributed, but initial public assessments of the firefighting response are broadly positive.