To Ian Chu, capturing one last image of the sea view from his home before it disappears was a final wish as he returned on Saturday to the scene of the deadly Hong Kong blaze to collect his belongings.

Chu lived in Wang Cheong House, one of eight residential blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, where 81 of the 168 deaths occurred in the inferno that shocked the city in November. His flat faces the Tolo Harbour.

“Since the renovations I have not seen the ocean, the sunlight … so I just tried to take as many photos as I could while I had the chance,” he said, showing reporters an image taken from his ravaged flat.

All blocks in the estate had been under renovation and covered with bamboo scaffolding and mesh since summer 2024. Authorities had earlier found that substandard netting used by the contractor contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.

Chu was among batches of residents from two blocks allowed to return under a 15-day programme that began on Monday to retrieve belongings. Each is permitted three hours in their flat, excluding time spent on the stairs.

Carrying camping backpacks, suitcases and nylon bags, some wearing protective helmets, residents were escorted by officials to their homes.