When Jacky Lee heard about a fire at her Hong Kong housing estate, she hurried home to save her 15-year-old grey poodle, Jason, fearing she might lose him forever.
Upon arrival, Lee found the Wang Fuk Court complex consumed by flames, marking Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades, with at least 151 fatalities as seven high-rises were reduced to ashes.
The 43-year-old airline engineer waited anxiously with others at a makeshift shelter for updates on rescue efforts.
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After midnight, as flames intensified, a district councillor informed her that pet rescues had ceased. Just when hope seemed lost, her phone rang. A firefighter asked if she owned a dog in unit 2703 of Wang Kin House.
The following day, Jason was found in the arms of a volunteer, saved from the inferno. “He was trembling when I saw him from afar, but when I called his name, he stopped and smiled,” Lee told AFP. “I was overjoyed, overwhelmed with emotion.”
A firefighter explained how they coaxed Jason into a carrier, thanks to notes Lee had left on the walls.
“They rescued my soul too,” Lee later posted on social media.
The fire raged for over 40 hours, and Hong Kong’s social media was flooded with anxious posts from pet owners.
Pets are cherished in the city, where dogs are often seen in prams, and pet outfit shops are common.
Animal welfare groups shared photos online, trying to reunite rescued pets with their owners.
‘Strong Will to Survive’
The Hong Kong SPCA reported that 209 animals, including dogs, cats, and more, were rescued, though 63 perished.
District councillor Lau Chun-hoi remained hopeful for more survivors, noting the resilience of animals and suggesting food and water be left in buildings. He encouraged checking on residents who lost pets, as “pets are family.” Remembrance messages were shared online.
Lee urged the government to provide pet-friendly temporary housing, highlighting the difficulties displaced residents face.
Jason, though initially timid, is expected to recover. The vet reported mild dehydration but said he was back to his usual self.
