A massive fire broke out at Chinachem Tower in Hong Kong’s Central district on Saturday, October 18, 2025, sending thick plumes of smoke across the city’s bustling business hub. The blaze, which started around 4:24 p.m., quickly spread through the bamboo scaffolding surrounding the building’s exterior, forcing evacuations and a large-scale emergency response. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly five hours before bringing them under control by 9:13 p.m.
Authorities confirmed that four people were hospitalized, including two men who were initially in critical condition but later stabilized. The Fire Services Department said the fire was mostly confined to the building’s façade, with the interior suffering minimal damage.
The Buildings Department later declared Chinachem Tower structurally safe but ordered the removal of loose exterior materials to prevent further hazards. Investigators are now probing whether renovation work, welding sparks, or discarded cigarettes caused the fire.
Experts warn that Hong Kong’s traditional bamboo scaffolding remains a major fire risk, urging tighter safety enforcement as the city’s skyline continues to evolve.
