Firefighters said they are still battling to control a huge blaze that broke out on Tuesday afternoon at a vast construction site in Tin Shui Wai, and urged nearby residents to keep their windows shut.

It was declared a number four alarm fire – the second highest warning – just after 9.30pm. Earlier, about 150 workers were forced to evacuate after the blaze broke out at Hung Nga Road at about 1pm. No injuries have been reported so far.

A Fire Services Department officer, Conal Hui, told reporters that two cranes at the site have no immediate risk of collapse and three nearby streets have been cordoned off.

"The area of ​​​​the fire scene is very large, reaching 70 by 80 metres. The scene is filled with smoke and the temperature is very high. Also, there are a lot of construction materials and oxyacetylene cylinders at the construction site, which intensify the fire," he said.

Hui said 262 firefighters and 11 ambulance staff have been deployed to the scene, adding that people living nearby should keep their windows closed.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that the fire was started by a spark from a metal cutter.
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Last updated: 2024-04-09 HKT 22:03