Investigation launched into Hong Kong's bamboo scaffolding following deadly fire

Dozens of fatalities in a fire at a Hong Kong residential complex have reignited discussions about the contribution of the citys traditional bamboo scaffolding to the blaze, prompting the government to commit to phasing it out. Hong Kong remains one of the few global cities where bamboo frames are still used in modern construction and renovations, a practice rooted in centuries of Chinese and Asian building traditions.

The Wang Fuk Court complex, consisting of eight high-rise buildings, had been under extensive renovation since last year. The structures were wrapped in bamboo scaffolds and green protective netting when the fire erupted on Wednesday afternoon.

Authorities stated that falling bamboo fragments may have accelerated the spread of the flames. On Thursday, officials emphasized the urgency of replacing bamboo scaffolding with metal alternatives for safety purposes. Some residents defended the use of bamboo, criticizing what they see as unfair targeting and orientalist bias against a deeply respected Hong Kong craft.

Anwar Orabi, a civil engineer specializing in fire safety at the University of Queensland, told AFP that a definitive conclusion is premature. He noted, The bamboo, or the scaffolding as a whole, caught fire it is not the only factor, but likely a contributing one.

Initial investigations suggest the fire began on protective netting on the lower floors of one building and spread rapidly due to highly flammable foam boards, according to Security Chief Chris Tang. These boards, attached to windows, shattered the glass and allowed flames to penetrate indoors. The intense heat ignited the bamboo, and falling sticks carried the fire to lower levels, further fueling the blaze.

Bamboo scaffolding is valued for its versatility and sustainability, being abundant in southern China and easily transported, erected, and removed in confined spaces. In January, industry sources estimated that nearly 80% of scaffolds in Hong Kong were bamboo, with around 3,000 practitioners in the city.

Eric Chan, the citys second-highest official, noted that despite bamboos long-standing use, its fire resistance is inferior to metal scaffolding. The government announced plans in March to encourage wider adoption of metal structures to enhance safety. Advocacy groups representing industrial accident victims cited three other scaffolding-related fires in Hong Kong this year.

Surveying the damage, Ho Wing-ip, an engineering professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, explained that both bamboo and metal scaffolds can endure flames briefly. However, the Wang Fuk Court fire burned for more than 40 hours. He noted, Only a small portion of bamboo remains on the second block, whereas metal scaffolds would mostly survive. Ho added that simultaneous renovations of all eight blocks contributed to the fires extensive spread.

On social media, some Hong Kong residents defended bamboo scaffolding, noting that significant sections remained intact despite the fires intensity. Scholars and journalists highlighted the debates cultural and identity dimensions. Leung Kai-chi, a Hong Kong studies expert, argued that focusing on bamboo as the main cause unfairly attributes blame to the foreign and exotic.

Others stressed multiple contributing factors. Ho Ping-tak, head of a bamboo scaffolders union, stated that bamboo is difficult to ignite and advocated for stricter requirements for flame-retardant materials. Ho Wing-ip emphasized that foam boards were likely the primary reason the fire spread so rapidly. Lee Kwong-sing of the Hong Kong Institute of Safety Practitioners cited the protective netting as another key factor. Chau Sze-kit, a local construction union chair, added, Whether bamboo or metal scaffolding is used, proper management and strict adherence to regulations make both relatively safe.

Author’s Commentary: Assessing Bamboo Scaffolding in Hong Kong’s Recent Fire

The recent fire at Wang Fuk Court has intensified debate over the safety of bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong. While the government has committed to phasing out bamboo for metal alternatives, the evidence suggests that multiple factors contributed to the tragedy.

Investigations indicate the fire likely started on flammable foam boards attached to windows, with protective netting and ongoing renovations accelerating its spread. Bamboo scaffolding, while combustible, was not the sole cause, though falling fragments may have aided flame propagation.

Experts emphasize that bamboo remains valued for its sustainability and ease of use, with roughly 80% of scaffolds in the city still made from it. Both bamboo and metal can endure fire briefly, but the intensity and duration of this blaze exceeded typical resilience levels.

The incident highlights the need for stricter safety protocols and the use of flame-retardant materials, rather than placing disproportionate blame on a culturally significant construction method. Proper management and adherence to regulations remain crucial, whether scaffolding is bamboo or metal.

Sources:

• Hong Kong's bamboo scaffolding under scrutiny after fatal fire