Man injured as fire engulfs 2 huts, 4 speedboats at village in Sai Kung

Hong Kong firefighters say they received multiple reports of a fire that broke out near a minibus terminus in Po Toi O village

A man has suffered minor burns in a fire that spread to two huts and four speedboats in Hong Kong’s Sai Kung.

The Fire Services Department said it received multiple reports of a blaze that broke out near a minibus terminus in Po Toi O village at 8.33am on Wednesday. It was classified as a No 1 alarm fire, the lowest in Hong Kong’s five-tier system.

Firefighters arrived at the scene 14 minutes later and found a man, aged about 60, who had suffered minor burns to his right hand, it said. He received treatment at the scene by paramedics.

The fire, which affected two huts and four speedboats, was extinguished less than an hour after it was reported.

Photos released by the department show thick black smoke rising from boats moored near waterfront structures, with firefighters battling the blaze from floating platforms and fireboats.

Several badly burned vessels, including one reduced largely to its metal frame, can also be seen in photos showing the fire’s aftermath.

Po Toi O is known for its seafood restaurants. Its sheltered bay is also a popular lunchtime stop for people arriving by boat.