A senior firefighter who lost his life battling last month’s deadly blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po was laid to rest on Friday with full honours.

The funeral service for the late Ho Wai-ho was held at the Universal Funeral Parlour in Hung Hom, attended by Chief Executive John Lee and other senior officials including Eric Chan, Paul Chan and Paul Lam.

They joined Ho’s family, colleagues and members of the public in paying their final respects.

Members of the public began gathering outside the parlour from 8am, many laying flowers in tribute.

One mourner, surnamed Ho, expressed grief.

"I know many Hong Kong residents were deeply moved by the incident. I hope these kinds of tragedies will never happen again. I truly pray for Hong Kong," he said.

A woman surnamed Cheung spoke of the sacrifices made by firefighters.

"I feel very touched. I think firefighters are very selfless. They often have to make sacrifices. They trade their safety for our safety," she said.

"I hope his family can find peace soon, and that Mr Ho has reached another place where he can find peace and happiness."

Following the ceremony, a group of firefighters carried the coffin – draped in an SAR flag – to a fire services hearse, which was adorned with a wreath from Ho’s fiancée.

A contingent of government officials and Fire Services Department personnel stood solemnly in rows outside as the procession departed.

The hearse, carried on a fire engine, made a poignant pass by Wang Fuk Court, the scene of the fatal fire, for an on-site ceremony.

From the nearby footbridge, citizens watched as the hearse departed.

It then proceeded to Sha Tin Fire Station, where Ho was last based.

There, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung led a solemn tribute with a formation of firefighters.

A floral wreath was laid before the hearse as colleagues paid their final respects, followed by the ringing of a bell to symbolise the end of Ho’s watch and the completion of his duties.

Yeung and other firefighters gave a final salute as the hearse prepared to depart.

The procession then continued to Gallant Garden in Wo Hop Shek Cemetery for the burial.

At about 1.10pm, one firefighter carried Ho’s helmet as others guided his coffin to its final resting place, followed by his family and loved ones holding his portrait.

In a final act of honour, the SAR flag draping the coffin was carefully folded in recognition of Ho’s ultimate sacrifice and service.

His helmet was then placed on the coffin.

After officers offered a last salute, Ho was laid to rest.

The ceremony concluded with a two-minute silence before Ho's loved ones, fellow firefighters and others attending the ceremony stepped forward to each place a white flower at his grave.

Ho's family members also brought his dog to the funeral to bid farewell.

He is survived by his parents, his two brothers and his fiancée.
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Last updated: 2025-12-19 HKT 13:49