Chief Executive John Lee on Thursday inspected the scene of Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades.

Blazes that engulfed seven blocks of Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po have claimed at least 55 lives.

Three blocks were still on fire, more than 24 hours after the tragedy began to unfold on Wednesday afternoon.

Accompanied by Chief Secretary Eric Chan and Security Secretary Chris Tang, Lee was briefed on the latest situation by Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung.

The CE spent time in a mobile command unit at the site, before heading to a neighbouring estate to get a closer look at the scene.

He was joined there by other officials, including Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong and Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak.