A rooftop fire at Shun King Building on Nelson Street in Mong Kok sent thick smoke across the area and prompted dozens of residents to evacuate on October 6. No injuries were reported.
Police received multiple reports at about 5.28pm. Firefighters used one hose and one breathing-apparatus team, directing water from a neighbouring building’s rooftop. The fire was out at about 7pm.
A security guard knocked on residents’ doors to help them leave. He said he learned that some residents with limited mobility could not evacuate and told them to shelter in their homes. Yau Tsim Mong district councillor Hui Tak-leung said many elderly people lived in the building and described the evacuation as generally orderly.
The fire was initially linked to rooftop items, including renovation materials. Worship candles were suspected of igniting the items, but the cause remained under investigation.
Police took residents’ details after the evacuation, and lower-floor residents were reportedly allowed to return to their units. Mong Kok Community Hall was opened for people who needed somewhere to stay.