A Hong Kong firefighter who died battling a devastating five-alarm blaze in Tai Po will be laid to rest with the department’s highest honors next week, the government announced. Firefighter WAI-HO Ho, 37, a nine-year veteran stationed at the Sha Tin Fire Station, was killed while responding to the deadly fire at the Wonderland Garden Estate on November 26. His state funeral is scheduled for Friday, December 19, at the Hung Hom World Funeral Parlour, followed by burial at the Gallant Garden cemetery, reserved for civil servants who die in the line of duty.
The tragedy unfolded during a massive fire that gripped the Wonderland Garden Estate. Ho, an active member of the specialized rescue team, was tasked with critical firefighting and rescue operations on the ground floor of the complex. He was actively engaged in extinguishing the flames when contact was lost around 3:30 p.m. Thirty minutes later, Ho was discovered unconscious near the complex, having sustained severe burns to his face. Emergency medical personnel immediately began life-saving measures and performed CPR before rushing him to Prince of Wales Hospital. Despite frantic efforts, he was pronounced dead at 4:45 p.m. that afternoon.
A Life of Service and Strength
Affectionately nicknamed “Big Haul” by colleagues for his exceptional physical prowess, Ho brought a strong background in emergency response to his nine years with the Fire Services Department (FSD). Prior to joining the FSD, Ho served with the police department as a member of the Airport Special Duties Unit, often referred to as the police’s specialized tactical force. His demanding previous role highlighted his dedication to public service and contributed to his reputation as a highly capable and physically fit firefighter.
The announcement of the full honors funeral comes amid widespread grief among his colleagues and the community. Ho’s dedication symbolized the profound risks inherent in frontline emergency work.
In the week following the fatality, a somber vigil was held outside the fire-ravaged complex. Relatives, friends, and fellow service members gathered for a traditional road sacrifice ritual, known as “Tou-chi,” marking the seventh day since the tragedy. Over 40 Buddhist monks chanted sutras to help intercede for the departed soul. Mourners, many clutching white flowers as a sign of respect and loss, observed a moment of silence. Uniformed firefighters were seen visibly weeping during the poignant ceremony as they paid their final respects, demonstrating the deep bond within the emergency services community.
Honoring the Ultimate Sacrifice
The decision to grant a full honors funeral underscores the significance of Ho’s sacrifice. Such ceremonies are reserved for personnel who die performing actions of exceptional courage or who make the ultimate contribution to public safety. The December 19 service is expected to draw high-ranking government officials and hundreds of uniformed personnel, reflecting the profound loss to the city’s emergency services.
His burial at the Gallant Garden will place him among other heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for Hong Kong, ensuring his bravery is perpetually remembered. The FSD has not yet announced specific operational changes or internal reviews following the incident, but attention is expected to focus on crew safety protocols, particularly during high-rise, multi-alarm responses. The immediate necessity remains providing support to Ho’s bereaved family as the city prepares to memorialize one of its bravest.
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