Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades raises concerns about the safety of bamboo scaffolding, a centuries-old technique

In Hong Kong, a residential complex engulfed in flames this Wednesday drew attention to a construction method deeply embedded in the citys architectural identity: bamboo scaffolding. Walk through almost any street in the densely packed metropolis, and green nets draped over bamboo poles are a ubiquitous sight. Favored for its adaptability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability, bamboo scaffolding has been part of Hong Kongs skyline for centuries, dating back to the Han dynasty and featured in iconic buildings such as Norman Fosters HSBC headquarters.

Though long celebrated as a local tradition, the recent fire has raised fresh concerns about the materials safety. Hong Kong generally boasts a strong record for building safety due to rigorous construction standards and strict regulation enforcement. The exact cause of the blaze in the Tai Po district remains under investigation, but authorities have detained 15 people connected to ongoing renovations at the site. At the time, the building was encased in scaffolding and protective netting. Investigators suspect flammable polystyrene window boards and substandard mesh coverings accelerated the fires spread.

Experts also noted bamboos inherent flammability, an issue flagged in past discussions. Xinyan Huang, an associate professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, explained that the citys dry season makes ignition highly likely, and the vertical orientation of the poles allows flames to climb rapidly.

In response, Hong Kongs leader, John Lee, announced citywide inspections of bamboo scaffolding and confirmed that officials are considering a transition to metal scaffolding. Authorities also expressed concern that other construction materials, including nets, canvas, and plastic sheeting, may not meet safety requirements.

The Future of Bamboo Scaffolding

Debates over bamboo scaffoldings future intensified this year. The citys Development Bureau declared that half of all new public projects from March onwards must employ metal scaffolding to enhance worker safety and meet international construction standards. From January 2018 to August 2025, 24 bamboo-related fatalities were reported, according to the Labour Department.

The push for metal scaffolding initially focused on worker protection, but fire safety has become central following incidents in central Hong Kong. While some observers questioned why a global financial hub still uses bamboo, many residents defended it as a vital cultural heritage, integral to the citys rapid construction culture and even temporary Cantonese opera theaters. Skilled laborers and unions stressed that bamboo scaffolding adheres to strict government regulations, including requirements for bamboo thickness, tying strength, pole spacing, and fire-retardant materials for protective coverings.

Authorities are now investigating whether the buildings external materials complied with fire-retardant standards. John Lee stated that the government will hold accountable anyone found in violation of safety regulations.

Experts suggest the focus should be less on the fires origin and more on conditions that allowed a single flame to engulf multiple buildings. Huang compared the rapid spread to the 2017 Grenfell Tower disaster in London, highlighting the role of scaffolding and other external factors in accelerating fire propagation. Fire safety lecturer Anwar Orabi emphasized that while identifying the ignition source is important, preventing the spread of fire across structures is the critical concern.

The incident has reignited debates about balancing heritage preservation with modern safety standards, placing Hong Kong at a crossroads between tradition and urban risk management.

Author: Lucas Grant