Nearly five months after Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades, thousands of survivors are returning in batches to their fire-ravaged flats to collect their belongings and bid farewell to their homes. The government-supervised operation is logistically challenging, with arrangements closely scrutinised by the public. It is also a moment of mixed emotions for returning households.Yesterday’s exercise, which involved 269 residents from 78 households in one of the blocks of Wang Fuk Court, went largely smoothly. About 1,670 households, or 97 per cent of the residents, have each been given a three-hour slot to return during the 15-day operation. Forty-seven households opted out, with many deciding against the visit after seeing images of their damaged flats.Residents’ emotions can be imagined. This is the first and last time they return to their homes, after which the site will be flattened. It comes as a profoundly traumatic rite of passage for some to be bidding farewell to their homes and loved ones. Others hope to retrieve whatever is left and move on. Footage taken by some households and shared with the media showed units badly damaged. One resident said he simply took a last glance and left as there was practically nothing to be retrieved. Some said the situation was better than expected. Lucky ones managed to retrieve items such as photos.While pain and grief will be relived during this delicate period, it is a process of healing and closure for residents and the Hong Kong public as a whole.The scope of the operation and condition of some units posed logistical challenges to the authorities. Considering the exercise involves senior and distressed citizens moving their belongings up and down dilapidated high-rise blocks, it is good that the first day concluded without major setbacks.The government has also rightly shown flexibility and humanity in the arrangements. Over 1,000 staff, including social workers and police officers, are to be deployed. In response to pleas for extended access, it is allowing multiple trips within the designated three-hour period for each household should conditions allow.