Imagine a city skyline, usually a symbol of progress, now marred by flames engulfing entire buildings. That's the stark reality Hong Kong faced recently, and it's all because of a construction material you probably wouldn't expect: bamboo. The recent deadly inferno, the worst in the city in three decades, has thrown a harsh spotlight on the continued use of bamboo scaffolding, a practice deeply rooted in tradition but increasingly seen as a safety hazard.
The fire, which claimed at least 55 lives and left hundreds missing, spread rapidly across the green netting covering the bamboo scaffolding at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on November 26, 2025. Images showed burning bamboo lattices crashing to the ground, painting a terrifying picture of the disaster. But here's where it gets controversial... why is Hong Kong, a modern metropolis, still clinging to this age-old practice?
For decades, bamboo has been the go-to material for scaffolding in Hong Kong. It's cheap, readily available, and incredibly flexible, making it ideal for navigating the city's dense urban landscape. The craft originated in mainland China, where bamboo is viewed as a symbol of grace and moral fortitude and has been integral to architecture for centuries. Legend even has it that bamboo was used in the construction of the Great Wall!
And this is the part most people miss... While mainland China has largely transitioned to sturdier metal scaffolding, Hong Kong has maintained its bamboo tradition. Currently, Hong Kong boasts around 2,500 registered bamboo scaffolding masters. In comparison, the number of metal scaffolders is approximately three times that. Watching small teams of workers nimbly scale towering buildings to encase them in bamboo scaffolding within weeks is a common sight in this global financial hub. Bamboo lattices are also frequently used alongside green construction mesh, intended to prevent debris from falling and injuring passersby.
Following the devastating fire, Hong Kong authorities have promised thorough scaffolding checks. Police have already arrested two directors of the contractor responsible for the building's renovation and a consultant on manslaughter charges, alleging the use of materials that didn't meet safety standards. The city's Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has also launched an investigation. Chief Executive John Lee has established a task force to determine the cause of the fire, vowing to check the fire retardant properties and other safety standards of scaffolding mesh materials used in other projects. In March, the government announced that 50% of new public works contracts would mandate the use of metal scaffolding. But the initial focus seemed to be more on worker safety than fire prevention, as evidenced by the 22 deaths involving bamboo scaffolders between 2019 and 2024.
Lee stated that the government is considering mandating the use of metal scaffolding in the future and has begun discussions with the industry about phasing out bamboo. This announcement came after a similar fire in October at the Chinachem Tower in the Central business district, where bamboo scaffolding went up in flames, causing significant damage. The Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims in Hong Kong reported at least two other bamboo scaffolding fires this year alone.
The Hong Kong Labour Department's Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety explicitly states that protective nets, screens, tarpaulins, and plastic sheeting used on scaffolding "should have appropriate fire retardant properties in compliance with a recognised standard."
But what about other buildings?
Jason Poon, a whistle-blower known for exposing shoddy construction practices in Hong Kong, raised concerns about fire hazards in scaffolding at numerous housing complexes. He claimed to have contacted government departments last year about the lack of fire retardant materials in scaffolding nets at another complex, but his warnings were allegedly ignored.
Chau Sze Kit, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union, acknowledges that metal scaffolding is inherently less flammable. However, he argues that the fire risk associated with bamboo scaffolding can be mitigated through proper construction management. According to Chau, fires on scaffolding typically result from the accumulation of flammable construction debris like paper, towels, or clothing, highlighting the importance of diligent site management.
So, is it time for Hong Kong to finally ditch its bamboo scaffolding tradition for the sake of safety? Or can better management and stricter regulations make bamboo a viable and safe option? What are your thoughts? Should tradition outweigh safety concerns, or is it time for Hong Kong to fully embrace modern construction practices? Share your opinions in the comments below!
