27 November 2025
Did bamboo scaffolding play a role in the Hong Kong fires?
Hong Kong authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court estate, but the incident has shed light on the traditional use of bamboo scaffolding in the area.
Bamboo played an important role in architecture and construction in mainland China for centuries, reportedly even leading to the construction of the Great Wall. Cheap, abundant, flexible and strong, bamboo was also the material of choice for scaffolding in the former British colony of Hong Kong.
Nowadays, in mainland China, bamboo scaffolding has been largely replaced by stronger – and flame-resistant – metal constructions. However, according to official figures, there are still about 2,500 registered bamboo scaffolding masters in Hong Kong.
In March, the government of Hong Kong said that 50% of new public construction contracts would be required to use metal scaffolding. But after 22 deaths linked to bamboo scaffolding were recorded between 2019 and 2024, the argument was based more on worker safety than fire risk.
In October, a massive bamboo scaffolding at Chinakem Tower in downtown Hong Kong caught fire. The fire charred the construction mesh and bamboo poles, charred the windows and badly scorched the exterior walls, but caused no major structural damage to the building.
In a Facebook post, the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims said there were at least two other fires involving bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong this year.
The Hong Kong Labor Department Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety states that protective nets, screens and tarpaulins or plastic sheeting installed on the face of scaffolding “shall have reasonable fire retardant properties in compliance with a recognized standard.”