On November 19, 2025, an independent committee established by the Hong Kong government revealed that a fire in a high-rise residential building, which resulted in 168 fatalities, might have been sparked by a cigarette butt. During a public hearing, the committee discovered charred remnants of cigarette butts and cardboard in the rubble of the affected building. It was also noted that workers engaged in renovation were likely smoking in unauthorized areas, raising concerns about cigarette-related safety practices. However, the committee mentioned that there was no direct evidence proving that smoking was the definitive cause of the blaze.

The investigation also highlighted that residents had previously reported smoking activities to the government multiple times before the fire, but despite 16 visits by officials, no evidence of smoking was documented. This raises critical questions about the efficacy of government oversight and response to residents’ concerns regarding smoking, a known fire hazard. The findings suggest a potential lapse in safety measures that could have prevented this tragedy.

In addition to the smoking issue, the committee pointed out other contributing factors to the fire's rapid spread. These included the presence of protective nets that did not meet fire safety standards and the failure of fire alarms to activate during the incident. The residents have subsequently called into question the government's supervisory responsibilities in ensuring the safety of their buildings, suggesting a need for improved regulations and oversight to prevent future disasters of this nature.