A string of hearings by an independent committee set up to look into the cause of the deadly Wang Fuk Court blaze will begin next month, with the judge leading the efforts acknowledging the challenge in wrapping up work before a nine-month deadline.

The committee's direction conference began at 10am on Thursday with a minute of silence to mourn the 168 victims of the Tai Po fire last November.

Judge David Lok, who chairs the committee, gave an overview of the committee's work leading up to the conference at City Gallery in Central, such as inspecting the site of the fire and learning about the use of bamboo and metal scaffolding.

He said the first hearing relating to the devastating inferno will take place on March 19.

Lok told Thursday's session that it would be challenging to complete the work within nine months – a deadline set by the chief executive – judging by the information at hand.

He also noted that the tragedy was "very serious" and said he understands members of the public have high expectations of the committee's work in uncovering the cause of the blaze.

Former Bar Association chairman Victor Dawes, who was among six barristers appointed as counsel for the committee, said information the panel received would be presented to the public during subsequent hearings.

Current examinations had shown a range of existing "systemic issues", according to Dawes, who said the matters were "unacceptable" and should not be overlooked.

Representatives of government departments and statutory bodies, as well as Wang Fuk Court's property manager and the firm that provided consultancy for the estate's renovation at the time of the tragedy, were also present. A total of 400 seats had been reserved for the public.

The committee, which was set up in December following the fire, is expected to examine a number of issues and make recommendations to the authorities.

Two people injured in the blaze remain in hospital in a stable condition, while 77 others have been discharged.

Officials said healthcare staff would continue to provide appropriate treatment and care to the patients, adding that the Hospital Authority had provided services to around 2,000 residents affected by the fire.