The Intelligence from The Economist Fire, then fury: Hong Kong’s deadly blaze
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Nov 28, 2025 
Emma Irving, Asian news editor at The Economist, analyzes the devastating Hong Kong high-rise fire, discussing its probable causes and the community’s outcry over housing inequality. Sarah Lonyuk, an audio correspondent, explores a year of protests in Georgia, detailing government repression and the challenge of achieving coordination for change. Lastly, Anne Rowe, obituaries editor, reflects on He Yanxin, the last natural inheritor of the Nushu script, emphasizing its cultural significance and her efforts to preserve this unique women-only language.
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Fire Reveals Deep Housing Inequality
- The Hong Kong blaze exposed deep housing inequality and systemic safety failings in poor towers.
- Emma Irving warns the disaster could prompt broad regulatory reform and scrutiny of housing for the poor.
Resident’s Harrowing Account Of Rapid Spread
- An 84‑year‑old man described blocks burning 'one block by one block' as winds spread flames.
- Emma Irving notes many scaffolds and netting covered streets, making the risk feel omnipresent to residents.
Materials And Practices Amplified The Blaze
- Renovation materials and unsafe site practices likely accelerated the blaze.
- Irving cites bamboo scaffolding netting, styrofoam around windows, smoking workers, and disabled alarms as compounding factors.