US EditionBamboo Scaffolding, a Centuries-Old Technique, Comes Under Scrutiny After Hong Kong’s Deadliest Fire in Decades
The blaze at Tai Po's Wang Fuk Court exposed bamboo scaffolding's high combustibility, with 36 dead and 279 missing, despite government efforts to increase metal use.
- On Wednesday, the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po caught fire just before 3pm, with towers wrapped in bamboo scaffolding and green mesh; at least 36 died, 279 are missing, dozens hospitalised, and 900 sheltered.
- Industry data from January this year shows about 80% of major projects use bamboo scaffolding, valued for being lightweight, cheap, locally sourced, and integral to Hong Kong construction and cultural sectors.
- Officials said the blaze began on scaffolding and then spread, with more than 700 firefighters deployed and Derek Armstrong Chan warning, 'The temperature at the scene is very high and there are some floors where we have been unable to reach people who requested help, but we will keep trying,' said Derek Armstrong Chan.
- The Hong Kong Development Bureau directed in March 2025 that metal scaffolds be used in at least 50% of new public-works contracts, prompting arrests and union warnings affecting 4,000 scaffolders.
- Experts say there are two main risks with bamboo scaffolding: fire and variability due to species and weather, while an internal memo flagged intrinsic weaknesses; recommended controls include non-combustible systems and flame-retardant measures.
24 Articles
24 Articles
A devastating fire rages in Hong Kong's northern district of Tai Po. Dozens of people lose their lives, thousands lose their homes. The exact cause of the fire remains unclear at first. What is known so far.
Bamboo scaffolding, a centuries-old technique, comes under scrutiny after Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades
By Jessie Yeung, CNN Hong Kong (CNN) — The Hong Kong residential towers engulfed by smoke and flames on Wednesday were surrounded by an ancient construction material familiar to anyone who’s spent time in the one of the world’s most densely packed urban hubs. It’s nearly impossible to walk down the streets of Hong Kong and not see buildings surrounded by bamboo scaffolding – a construction material that’s celebrated for its flexibility, low cost…
Hong Kong’s bamboo scaffolding, a centuries-old technique, comes under scrutiny after city’s deadliest fire in years
The Hong Kong residential towers engulfed by smoke and flames on Wednesday were surrounded by an ancient construction material familiar to anyone who’s spent time in the one of the world’s most densely packed urban hubs.
Why is bamboo used for scaffolding in Hong Kong? A construction expert explains
At least 44 people have died and more than 270 are missing after a major fire engulfed an apartment complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. The fire, which swept through multiple high-rise towers, is still burning. The exact cause of the blaze, which broke out just before 3pm local time on Wednesday, is still […] The post Why is bamboo used for scaffolding in Hong Kong? A construction expert explains appeared first on Interaksyon.
Why is bamboo used for scaffolding in Hong Kong? A construction expert explains
At least 44 people have died and more than 270 are missing after a major fire engulfed an apartment complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. The fire, which swept through multiple high-rise towers, is still burning. The exact cause of the blaze, which broke out just before 3pm local time on Wednesday, is still unknown. Hong Kong Police have arrested three construction company executives on suspicion of manslaughter. The apartment blocks are 31 st…
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