Should Hong Kong abandon bamboo scaffolding after Tai Po fire tragedy?
Hong Kong’s iconic bamboo scaffolding holds much cultural significance, but will the Wang Fuk Court blaze see the end of its use?
A deadly blaze that ravaged a four-decade-old housing estate in Tai Po and killed at least 128 people since Wednesday has once again cast a spotlight on one of Hong Kong’s most iconic yet contentious construction features: bamboo scaffolding.
While the cause of the fire – which consumed seven of Wang Fuk Court’s eight blocks, all of which were undergoing extensive renovation – is still under investigation, focus will be on what caused the ferocious flames to spread so quickly, including the mesh lining covering the buildings.
According to the Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety, protective nets, screens and plastic sheeting installed on the face of scaffolding should have appropriate fire-retardant properties in compliance with a recognised standard.
On Thursday, Chief Secretary Eric Chan Kwok-ki said the government would discuss with the construction industry how to transition fully from bamboo to steel scaffolding as soon as possible. He said even though bamboo scaffolding was more flexible in usage, it was not as good as steel for fireproofing.
In March, the Development Bureau issued a directive requiring that metal scaffolding be used in no less than 50 per cent of all new government public works building contracts.
Major fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po neighbourhood rages into the night, at least 36 dead, 279 missing
According to official figures, industrial accidents involving bamboo scaffolds killed 23 people from the beginning of 2018 to January 26, 2025.