Residents of the only building untouched by the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court started to trickle back to their homes to retrieve personal items and valuables on Wednesday, but uncertainty remained as to when they could move back in.

Two members of each household of Wang Chi House in Tai Po were being allowed into their flats for 1.5 hours between 9am and 9pm on Wednesday and Thursday.

A man surnamed Suen was among those arriving in the morning.

"I came back mainly to take a look and see how things were, and to get some households goods...such as my game console," he said.

"I originally thought that since the building had not been affected by the fire, I would be able to return in just a few days. But I realised it would take more time."

A resident surnamed Chan came with a list of belongings she wanted to take, including some documents and clothes.

"My home looked alright, but there was a burning smell in the waiting area," she said. "I would have to take care of some psychological distress before moving back in."

A resident surnamed Ng returned to his home to collect some clothes.

"This is my own home and I have lived here for decades. Of course I wish to come back. It takes time to adapt to a new place, and it is difficult for me as an older person," said Ng, who is now staying at Tai Po's Good House transitional housing site.

Some others arrived to collect personal belongings for their family members, including a woman surnamed Ho who came with a suitcase.

"My parents lived at Wang Chi House. I was here to help them retrieve some valuables, medicines and warm clothes," she said, adding that she felt fortunate that her parents survived and were healthy.

Shuttle buses were seen taking residents to Wang Chi House to collect their belongings, while government staff members were also on-site to assist.