Hong Kong Fire: Is Bamboo Scaffolding to Blame?

On November 26, 2025, the thick smoke and flames at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong pierced the hearts of countless people. In this Level 5 fire that claimed 128 lives, the bamboo scaffolding erected for external wall maintenance became an "accomplice" in the spread of the fire. The flammable bamboo and non-compliant protective nets created a "chimney effect", engulfing eight high-rise buildings within minutes and turning the over-40-year-old housing estate into a sea of fire. This tragedy, paid for with lives, highlights the irreplaceable role of metal scaffolding in construction safety.

     Block Fire Spread and Reduce the Risk of Disaster Expansion

The core value of metal scaffolding lies in building a "safety barrier" during fires. Although bamboo scaffolding has long been a traditional construction choice in Hong Kong due to its flexibility and low cost, its inherent flammability was infinitely magnified during the disaster. In this fire, burning bamboo scaffolding debris not only blocked rescue routes but also fueled the spread of fire to multiple buildings, which was one of the key factors leading to the rapid escalation of the fire to Level 5.

In contrast, metal scaffolding is made of flame-retardant materials such as hot-dip galvanized steel. Even when exposed to open flames, it will not catch fire, effectively cutting off the path of fire spread. This buys precious evacuation time for trapped people and clears obstacles for fire rescue operations.

     Ensure Rescue Safety and Improve Disaster Relief Efficiency

Structural stability is another major advantage of metal scaffolding. During the fire, bamboo scaffolding is prone to breaking and collapsing after burning, which not only hinders escape but also poses a life-threatening risk to rescue workers. In this fire, burning scaffolding and falling debris severely hindered the progress of rescue efforts.

Metal scaffolding, however, boasts excellent structural stability and compressive strength. Its I-shaped design and embedded ribs further enhance its firmness. Even in the high-temperature environment of a fire, it is not easily deformed or collapsed, maintaining the integrity of the scaffolding structure. This provides a safe and reliable operating platform for rescuers, facilitating efficient fire-fighting and search-and-rescue work.

     Reduce Potential Hazards and Meet Long-term Safety Needs of Projects

The maintenance project of Wang Fuk Court started in July 2024 and is a long-term construction project. Bamboo and wooden scaffolding exposed to the elements for a long time are prone to rot, crack, and develop additional safety hazards due to moisture. In contrast, metal scaffolding has a service life of 5 to 8 years under normal construction conditions, which can meet the needs of long-term projects. At the same time, the recyclability of metal scaffolding reduces the whole-life cycle cost and avoids potential secondary fire hazards caused by discarded bamboo materials.

The painful lesson of the Wang Fuk Court fire in Hong Kong highlights the crucial role of fire-resistant material selection in construction. With its advantages of fire resistance, stability, and durability, metal scaffolding can fundamentally reduce the risk of fire spread and ensure rescue safety. It is not only a physical barrier against fire but also a manifestation of responsibility. Only by replacing fluke with standards and building a solid defense with safe materials can similar tragedies be avoided.