# Hong Kong Security Chief Addresses Wang Fuk Court Fire Anniversary Plans Authorities pledge to facilitate lawful commemorations for the deadly 2023 housing estate blaze. - **Source:** [Hong Kong Free Press](https://hongkongfp.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1d380818-2dcd-4c5f-af06-5f4b9fa80e43 ## Commemoration Conditions Set Hong Kong security chief Chris Tang announced that the government will assist citizens wishing to commemorate the victims of the Wang Fuk Court fire. This support is strictly conditional on all activities being conducted in a lawful manner. The tragedy occurred on November 26 last year, marking a significant event for residents. ## Tragedy Scale and Impact The devastating blaze erupted during large-scale renovation works at the subsidized housing estate. The fire engulfed seven buildings, resulting in the deaths of 168 people and displacing over 4,600 residents. Authorities are now preparing for the first anniversary of this incident, which remains a deeply sensitive issue for the local community. ## Past Vigil Site Clearance Following the fire last year, citizens established a makeshift memorial at the Kwong Fuk Sitting-out Area near the estate. However, this site was cleared by authorities just days later following coordination with police. This action highlighted the government's strict approach toward public gatherings and memorial sites in the aftermath of disasters. ## Government Narrative on Stability Officials previously accused anti-China forces of attempting to use the tragedy to incite social chaos. A government press release criticized those making what they termed unfounded and slanderous remarks. This narrative suggests that the administration remains highly vigilant against any activities perceived as attempts to destabilize the social order through public mourning. ## National Security Department Involvement Chief Superintendent Steve Li of the National Security Department previously visited the site, comparing the atmosphere to the 2019 pro-democracy protests. He cited pamphlets and slogans as evidence of attempts to incite hatred. This perspective continues to influence how the government approaches public gatherings related to the fire and its victims. ## Lawful Commemoration Framework Chris Tang reiterated that the government is willing to facilitate commemorations if they align with legal requirements. By emphasizing the rule of law, the security chief aims to balance public sentiment with the administration's security priorities. The government maintains that it understands the desire of families to remember their lost loved ones. ## Preventing Future Housing Risks Beyond the anniversary, the government is pursuing legislative reforms to prevent future disasters. Tang highlighted plans to introduce amendments and coordinate law enforcement agencies to combat bid-rigging in renovation projects. These measures are intended to improve safety standards in subsidized housing estates and prevent the recurrence of such catastrophic fire events. ## Ongoing Public Oversight The government's stance reflects a broader strategy of maintaining strict control over public spaces and political discourse. While officials express willingness to assist with memorial activities, the emphasis remains on preventing the politicization of the tragedy. Observers will watch how authorities manage the upcoming anniversary to gauge the current climate of expression. ## Sources covering this story - https://hongkongfp.com/2026/11/06/security-chief-chris-tang-says-govt-will-facilitate-wang-fuk-court-fire-anniversary-events-if-lawful/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._