A deadly blaze that ravaged a four-decade-old public housing estate in Tai Po and has killed at least 55 people since Wednesday is once again casting 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 that encased 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 building trade on how to fully switch 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.
