A devastating fire that ripped through the Wang Fuk Court public-housing estate in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district appears to have been accelerated dramatically by the use of traditional bamboo scaffolding and green construction mesh around the affected towers.
Although the exact ignition point remains under investigation, firefighters and officials said flames climbed the bamboo scaffolding almost immediately — before engulfing multiple high-rise blocks — highlighting how combustible materials may have turned a localized fire into one of the deadliest disasters Hong Kong has seen in decades.
Why bamboo scaffolding remains common — and why it’s risky
Bamboo scaffolding has long been a fixture of Hong Kong’s skyline: light, cheap, flexible, and part of longstanding construction tradition. Many sites wrap buildings in a lattice of bamboo poles bound with nylon ties, covered with green safety mesh or plastic sheeting — often during maintenance or renovation.
But this very tradition comes with a serious downside. Bamboo is combustible, and when combined with plastic netting or other flammable materials — especially under dry or windy conditions — it can act like kindling, allowing fire to race up the exterior of buildings at alarming speed.
Authorities have long recognized these dangers: earlier in 2025, the government announced a plan to phase out bamboo scaffolding in favour of fire-resistant steel frames, aiming to improve safety on construction and renovation projects.
What happened at Wang Fuk Court — smoke, flames and falling debris
The blaze at Wang Fuk Court began mid-afternoon on Wednesday, when flames reportedly broke out near the external scaffolding of one of the estate’s towers. Within minutes, flames spread across the bamboo lattice and construction netting, with burning debris and scaffolding collapsing to the ground.
Firefighters described scenes of intense heat, thick black smoke, and falling debris as they struggled to reach upper floors and carry out rescue operations.
By Thursday morning, the death toll had climbed to at least 44, with nearly 300 people still unaccounted for — making this the deadliest residential fire in Hong Kong in decades.
As houses burned, nearly 900 residents were evacuated and hundreds of firefighters, police officers, and paramedics were deployed in a massive rescue effort.
Investigation, arrests — and blame for “gross negligence”
In the wake of the disaster, authorities have arrested three individuals — two directors and one engineering consultant from the construction firm responsible for the renovation — on suspicion of manslaughter, citing “gross negligence” tied to unsafe materials and scaffolding practices.
Official statements point to multiple safety failures: the bamboo scaffolding and protective mesh reportedly did not meet fire-resistance standards, and additional materials — such as foam used to seal windows — may have further accelerated the spread of flames within the buildings.
The scale and speed of the fire have drawn comparisons to other tragic high-rise fires globally — and amplified public scrutiny on construction safety standards and enforcement in Hong Kong.
Why the tragedy matters — and what’s next
- Safety reform spotlighted: The fire has reignited calls for a full phase-out of bamboo scaffolding in favour of non-combustible materials across Hong Kong, especially on high-density residential buildings.
- Regulatory and enforcement pressure: Residents, activists and safety experts are demanding stronger oversight of renovation projects, stricter fire safety standards, and regular inspections of scaffolding and exterior materials.
- Human cost and urban vulnerability: The disaster highlights how traditional construction practices — even those deeply embedded in a city’s identity — can pose deadly risks under modern high-rise living conditions.
- Legal consequences: The arrests and pending investigation may set a precedent for holding contractors accountable for fire safety failures, potentially reshaping how urban renovation is managed in Hong Kong.
This tragedy at Wang Fuk Court is not just a disaster in itself — it is a turning point. As Hong Kong mourns the loss of lives and reckons with grief, authorities, construction firms and residents will face hard questions about tradition, safety, and how best to protect people in high-rise urban environments.
