A devastating fire has ripped through several high-rise tower blocks in Hong Kong, killing at least 13 people and injuring 15 more. There are reports of missing people, and thousands have been evacuated to nearby shelters.

Pictures show several buildings ablaze, and thick smoke billowing into the air, dominating Hong Kong's skyline.

As night fell, the fire was still burning hours after it was first reported, with 767 firefighters deployed to the scene.

What caused the blaze is still unclear, but here is what we do know, so far.

Where and when did the fire start?

The blaze broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a large housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, at 14:51 local time on Wednesday (06:51 GMT).

Wang Fuk Court consists of eight tower blocks, which are each 31-storeys high. Seven of them have been affected by the fire, according to local officials.

Built in 1983, the tower blocks were undergoing renovations, and the outside of the buildings was covered in bamboo scaffolding and construction netting. Footage shows the fire spreading quickly through the bamboo.

There have been reports by residents that fire alarms did not activate.

How serious is the fire?

The Hong Kong fire department has classified the blaze as a level five alarm - the highest in severity.

Within 40 minutes of being reported, it was declared a level four, but by 18:22 local time, the level was again raised.

It has been 17 years since a level five fire last hit Hong Kong.

What do we know about the victims?

The Hong Kong government first confirmed four fatalities, but the count has since risen to 13. The number is likely to increase as several individuals remain missing.

Emergency hotline and shelters set up

With approximately 4,600 residents from Wang Fuk Court displaced, emergency shelters have been established. Some shelters have already reached capacity, prompting authorities to activate additional spaces.

A hotline for inquiries has been set up, and police officers are assisting inhabitants in locating their missing relatives.

Hong Kong and bamboo scaffolding

The tower blocks at Wang Fuk Court are covered in bamboo scaffolding, as they are undergoing renovations. Bamboo scaffolding is integral to Hong Kong's architectural identity but has faced scrutiny over safety, particularly in light of this tragedy.

The quick spread of the fire through the scaffolding highlights ongoing concerns about its use in contemporary construction practices.