Hong Kong grants HK$6.15 million to family of firefighter killed in Tai Po blaze

The family of deceased firefighter Ho Wai-ho, who died while battling Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in seven decades, will receive HK$6.15 million (US$831,246) in financial assistance in recognition of his courage and selflessness.The government on Friday announced a grant approved by the body responsible for providing financial support to families of individuals who died while saving others.Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han, who also chairs the committee, paid tribute to Ho’s bravery.“Mr Ho demonstrated exceptional courage and a high degree of gallantry to save and protect the lives of others, which commands our greatest respect … We deeply mourn the loss of such an excellent and devoted public servant,” he said.“The grant represents the government’s recognition of the late Mr Ho’s gallantry and selflessness of the highest order.”Ho died on November 26 during a search and rescue operation at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The inferno killed 168 people and left nearly 5,000 displaced.The grant for Ho’s family followed new relief measures introduced by the banking industry on Wednesday for residents affected by the blaze.