Singapore reviewing early findings from Hong Kong’s investigations into Wang Fuk Court fire

“This is a slight increase amid a stable trend of residential building fires over the past five years,” said Mr Goh.

He added that the statistics should be “viewed in the context of Singapore’s housing stock”, and that the percentage of fires has decreased from 0.067 per cent in 2021 to 0.065 per cent in 2025.

“However, recent tragic events remind us that we cannot afford to be complacent about fire safety. The Wang Fuk Court fire in Hong Kong last November is a grim example,” he said.

MP Alex Yam (PAP-Marsiling-Yew Tee) asked for reassurance about inspection enforcement regimes during construction and renovation works, given the “confluence of hot works, emergency wiring and flammable materials”.

Mr Goh said the use of bamboo as scaffolding is not allowed in Singapore.

“Any construction and maintenance works done in Singapore must adhere to the safety requirements set out in the fire code and the Workplace Safety and Health regulation,” he added. 

“For example, any hoarding used during construction must be made of non-combustible materials, and all fire safety systems must remain functional. It is also a requirement to ensure … hot works are separated from flammable materials.”

The Wang Fuk Court buildings were clad in bamboo scaffolding draped with nylon netting for external investigations. Hong Kong officials said in December that the netting did not meet codes for fire resistance.