Six associations of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD) issued a joint statement on Thursday, strongly condemning online allegations regarding the department’s handling of the Nov 26 Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire.

The associations refuted claims made by a netizen called "Sin Kwok-lam", who alleged on social media that he received WhatsApp messages from fire service insiders through a "senior fire officer friend", accusing the Fire Services director of mishandling firefighting decisions.

However, after verification by various staff associations of the FSD, no members were found to have sent or received such messages, and the associations stated the claims were inconsistent with facts.

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The statement emphasized that the FSD operates under a well-established command system and that both operational and non-operational personnel were mobilized during the fire, with the director providing on-site and command center oversight.

They expressed profound grief over the tragedy, which resulted in over a hundred casualties, including a firefighter who died in the line of duty.

Despite immense psychological pressure, the priority for all FSD personnel remains fully focused on post-incident operations and investigation work, it said.

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They reiterated full support for the Fire Services director’s leadership and denounced attempts to spread false information and provoke social discord amid the tragedy.

The six associations include the Hong Kong Fire Services Officers Association, the Hong Kong Fire Services Department Ambulance Officers Association, and the Hong Kong Fire Services Control Staff’s Union.