Heavy use of a joss paper burner led to a fire at a Hong Kong columbarium that sent ashes flying, injuring at least two people on Sunday.

Police said that they received a report at 11.37am that a fire had broken out at Diamond Hill Columbarium.

A preliminary investigation found that the fire was caused by an overheated exhaust fan connected to a joss paper burner, the force said.

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Firefighters arrived and put out the flames, which were classified as a No 1 alarm fire, the lowest in Hong Kong’s five-tier system.

Holes that were reportedly burned on a jacket. Photo: Now TV News
Holes that were reportedly burned on a jacket. Photo: Now TV News

The falling ashes injured a 53-year-old surnamed Wong and his 32-year-old son, who both sustained burns on their necks and backs, the force said. They were sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for treatment.

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