Bamboo scaffolding, a centuries-old construction technique deeply embedded in Hong Kong’s urban landscape, has come under renewed scrutiny following one of the city’s deadliest fires in decades, which engulfed residential towers in the Tai Po district and claimed dozens of lives.
At least 36 people have died and 279 people are unaccounted for, officials say. Residents remain trapped on higher floors of the buildings. https://t.co/iclSJYO8p1 pic.twitter.com/FtoFH3FyZ5
— CNN (@CNN) November 26, 2025
The blaze broke out at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate, where the building was undergoing renovation and was fully encased in bamboo scaffolding and protective netting. Authorities have arrested three individuals linked to a construction company on suspicion of “gross negligence,” while investigations continue into the cause and rapid spread of the fire.
Experts have raised serious concerns about the combustible nature of bamboo scaffolding, particularly during Hong Kong’s dry season. According to specialists, the vertical orientation of bamboo poles may have accelerated the fire’s upward spread, turning the exterior structure into a conduit for flames. Officials also suspect that flammable materials such as polystyrene boards, plastic covers, and safety nets that failed to meet fire safety standards may have worsened the disaster.
Hong Kong’s Development Bureau recently announced that 50% of new public construction projects will transition to metal scaffolding, citing improved worker safety and alignment with modern construction practices. The decision, however, has sparked debate among residents and industry professionals who view bamboo scaffolding as an important cultural heritage and argue that it remains safe when regulations are followed.
Hong Kong leader John Lee confirmed that a special task force has been established to investigate whether the building’s exterior materials complied with fire-retardant standards, vowing accountability if violations are found.
Authorities reiterated that while bamboo scaffolding has historically been regarded as economical, flexible, and sustainable, the tragedy has highlighted the urgent need to reassess construction safety standards and the use of flammable materials in high-density urban environments.
The incident has reignited broader discussions around balancing cultural preservation with modern safety requirements in one of the world’s most densely populated cities.
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