Chief Executive John Lee on Wednesday expressed deep condolences to families affected by a deadly blaze in Tai Po.

Lee said he chaired an emergency meeting and directed officials to spare no effort in fighting the blaze and saving lives, after the No. 5 alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court engulfed all eight blocks of the housing estate undergoing renovation.

"All government departments are providing assistance to residents affected by the fire, with a priority in the people's safety and well-being," the CE wrote on social media.

Lee said aid stations have been set up at the scene by the Home Affairs and Social Welfare departments as well as District Offices, moving people into temporary shelters and providing the necessary help and emotional support.

A firefighter was one of those killed in one of the city's deadliest blazes in recent years.

He was identified as 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, who was attached to the Sha Tin Fire Station.

Fire services director Andy Yeung said Ho was fighting the blaze on the ground, and went missing for about half an hour.

Ho was later found and rushed to Prince to Wales Hospital where he was declared dead at 4.41pm.

"He was found in an open space outside the lift area at Wang Cheong House of Wang Fuk Court. At the time he suffered burns to his face," Yeung told reporters after a visit to the hospital.

The fire chief said Ho joined the department nine years ago and was stationed in Sha Tin.

"All of our colleagues are deeply saddened by the loss of such a devoted comrade. On behalf of all our colleagues, I have offered the deepest condolences to his family," Yeung said in a statement, adding that assistance will be offered to the family.

He added that another firefighter suffered from heat exhaustion and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang also said he was deeply saddened by Ho's death and expressed condolences to his family.