A hill fire in the northwestern New Territories, near the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's boundary with Shenzhen, was largely put out at 2:08 pm on Sunday after burning since Saturday afternoon.
The blaze broke out in the midst of an ultra-dry winter that was expected to persist through Monday. It started shortly after 5.30 pm on Saturday at Kai Kung Leng -- a popular hiking area in the northwestern New Territories' Yuen Long District -- and was reported to be under control at about 10:40 am on Sunday.
Local media reported that the flames had extended by more than 500 meters in length at the height of the fire, posing a threat to a nearby stray animal shelter housing some 170 abandoned dogs and cats.
According to the Fire Services Department, firemen equipped with fire beaters contained the blaze by 10:40 am after working through the night. Aerial support was provided, with helicopters conducting water bombing operations.
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To prevent the inferno from spreading, the FSD set up two fire lines around the affected area. It said it will continue to monitor the situation to ensure the fire is completely extinguished.
The Big Tree Animal Sanctuary and Adoption Centre at Kam Tin reported that the section of the fire threatening its shelter had been extinguished by 5:30 am on Sunday.
The Hong Kong Observatory said that, as of Sunday afternoon, a red fire warning remained in force, indicating an "extreme" risk of fire breaking out.
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It said a winter monsoon has brought very dry weather across coastal Guangdong province, leading to lower humidity levels in Hong Kong.
The relative humidity once fell to 12 percent at Shek Kong, the lowest record in January since 1996 at the monitoring station there, and to 9 percent in Chek Lap Kok, the second lowest record in January since 1997 at that station.
The forecast is for continued clear and dry conditions overnight, with moderate to fresh winds from the north to northeast, lasting through Monday.
Kai Kung Leng, also known as Rooster Ridge, is a steep, grassy trail located in Lam Tsuen Country Park in the northern New Territories. The area is popular among hikers for its scenic views of Shenzhen’s skyline.
