A deadly blaze that ravaged a four-decade-old public housing estate in Tai Po and has killed at least 55 people since Wednesday is once again casting a spotlight on one of Hong Kong’s most iconic yet contentious construction features: bamboo scaffolding.
While the cause of the fire – which consumed seven of Wang Fuk Court’s eight blocks, all of which were undergoing extensive renovation – is still under investigation, focus will be on what caused the ferocious flames to spread so quickly, including the mesh lining that encased the buildings.
According to the Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety, protective nets, screens and plastic sheeting installed on the face of scaffolding should have appropriate fire-retardant properties in compliance with a recognised standard.
In March, the Hong Kong Development Bureau issued a directive requiring that metal scaffolding be used in no less than 50 per cent of all new government public works building contracts.
Major fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po neighbourhood rages into the night, at least 36 dead, 279 missing
Major fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po neighbourhood rages into the night, at least 36 dead, 279 missing
According to official figures, industrial accidents involving bamboo scaffolds killed 23 people from the beginning of 2018 to January 26, 2025. The Development Bureau additionally said that bamboo scaffolds have intrinsic weaknesses such as “variation in mechanical properties, deterioration over time and high combustibility”, and it encouraged a transition towards metal alternatives.
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