Hong Kong residents and experts support bamboo scaffolding following deadly fire

HONG KONG Residents, construction professionals, and former senior officials in Hong Kong are defending the use of bamboo scaffolding after the citys deadliest fire in decades, challenging claims that it was a primary factor in the rapid spread of flames. The debate over whether to replace bamboo scaffolding has intensified following the tragic November 26 blaze at Wang Fuk Court, which claimed at least 159 lives and affected multiple apartment towers.

Authorities initially highlighted the traditional scaffolding surrounding the buildings as a contributing factor. While green safety netting caught fire and some bamboo scaffolding burned and collapsed, officials have accelerated plans to phase out bamboo in favor of metal scaffolding. Bamboo remains widely used across Hong Kong, even though mainland China and other Asian regions have largely switched to metal alternatives. The citys scaffolding workers union estimates around 3,000 registered professionals specialize in this centuries-old technique.

Experts Urge Caution in Assigning Blame

Experts stress that bamboo alone should not be blamed for the fire. Kristof Crolla, an associate professor at the University of Hong Kong specializing in bamboo architecture, noted that properly treated bamboo combined with certified fire-retardant netting is difficult to ignite. Architect Raffaella Endrizzi from the Chinese University of Hong Kong added that focusing solely on bamboo may overlook broader safety deficiencies in construction practices.

During the fire, both the bamboo scaffolding and the surrounding green netting were ignited, but bamboo itself is generally resistant to catching fire. Officials, including Chief Secretary Eric Chan, have described bamboo scaffolding as less fire-resistant than metal alternatives, prompting discussions about transitioning to metal for safety reasons. The initial cause of the fire remains under investigation, though substandard netting and flammable foam boards used during renovations have been identified as key factors in the fire spreading across seven buildings.

Public and Official Responses

Some residents and former officials have criticized the focus on bamboo as an oversimplification of the problem. Notes and social media posts emphasized systemic issues in building maintenance rather than the material itself. Regina Ip, a former security secretary, called the blame on bamboo a lazy, scapegoating approach, while former financial secretary John Tsang argued against hastily banning bamboo, citing its flexibility and long-standing reliability.

Practical Advantages of Bamboo Scaffolding

Advocates point out that bamboo scaffolding is particularly suited to Hong Kongs dense and irregular urban environment. It is lightweight, quick to assemble, and can navigate tight spaces and uneven building faades more easily than metal scaffolding. While metal scaffolding is non-combustible and durable, it is heavier, more costly, and takes longer to install. Bamboo scaffolding can cost half as much as metal, raising concerns about affordability for older buildings undergoing renovations.

Underlying Safety Concerns

Experts emphasize that material changes alone will not resolve deeper safety problems related to construction oversight, enforcement, and the use of substandard materials. Recent arrests in connection with the renovation project at Wang Fuk Court highlight potential negligence and corruption. Residents had previously raised safety concerns about construction materials, including the netting.

Following the fire, authorities ordered the removal of external scaffolding netting at hundreds of buildings for testing. An independent committee will investigate the incident, and city leaders have pledged systemic reforms in the construction industry to prevent future tragedies.

Hong Kong officials have promised thorough investigations to ensure accountability and improve fire safety standards.

Analysis: The Debate on Bamboo Scaffolding in Hong Kong

The tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court on November 26, which claimed at least 159 lives, has sparked an intense debate in Hong Kong over the use of bamboo scaffolding. While authorities initially pointed to bamboo as a contributing factor to the rapid spread of the fire, many residents, construction professionals, and experts caution against scapegoating this centuries-old technique without considering the broader issues of building safety and material quality.

Despite its long-standing use across Hong Kong, bamboo scaffolding has come under increased scrutiny following the fire. Some officials argue that bamboo is less fire-resistant than metal scaffolding, leading to calls for a switch to metal alternatives. However, experts have stressed that bamboo, when properly treated, is not inherently dangerous and can be combined with fire-retardant netting to improve safety. The primary issue in the Wang Fuk Court fire, according to experts, lies in the use of substandard materials, such as flammable netting and foam boards, rather than the bamboo itself.

Advocates for bamboo scaffolding emphasize its practicality in Hong Kong's dense and complex urban environment. Bamboo is lightweight, affordable, and quick to install, making it ideal for navigating narrow spaces and uneven building facades. This efficiency, however, comes at a cost—metal scaffolding, while fire-resistant and durable, is heavier, more expensive, and slower to set up, which could make renovations more costly, particularly for older buildings.

The fire highlights deeper, systemic issues in the construction industry, such as poor oversight, use of substandard materials, and potential corruption. While the shift to metal scaffolding may address some safety concerns, experts argue that material changes alone will not solve these larger problems. Comprehensive reforms in building maintenance, inspection, and material quality are needed to prevent future tragedies.

As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, it is clear that the debate over scaffolding material is part of a much larger conversation about improving safety standards in Hong Kong's construction industry. Authorities have pledged to address these concerns through thorough investigations and systemic reforms, but whether these promises translate into meaningful change remains to be seen.

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• Hong Kong residents and experts defend bamboo scaffolding after deadly fire