29th December 2024 – (Hong Kong) A hill fire in Yuen Long, Hong Kong, has continued to blaze for over 18 hours, with firefighters struggling to bring it under control. The fire, which erupted around 2.49pm. on Saturday near Tai Tong, rapidly spread due to windy conditions, initially extending up to 200 metres. As of this morning, the flames have reduced to two sections, each approximately 50 metres long, yet efforts to extinguish the fire remain ongoing.
Authorities received multiple reports from residents as the fire threatened nearby homes, prompting a swift response from the Fire Services Department. Firefighters, alongside the Government Flying Service, which deployed helicopters to assist in the firefighting efforts, have been working tirelessly throughout the night.
The blaze is suspected to have been ignited by the burning of wild grass, and the public has been advised to evacuate the affected area. Hikers and campers in the vicinity have been urged to remain calm and take necessary precautions as the situation develops. The Hong Kong Observatory has indicated that fine and dry conditions, combined with moderate winds, may continue to pose challenges for firefighting efforts.
