A massive fire in a Hong Kong residential complex, the deadliest in 30 years, has highlighted the risks of bamboo scaffolding still widely used in the city. At least 55 people died and nearly 300 are missing.
Authorities said the bamboo frames, plastic sheets, and mesh coverings failed to meet safety standards, allowing flames to spread rapidly. Investigations are underway, and two company directors and an advisor have been arrested for using substandard materials in construction.
Bamboo scaffolding has long been popular in Hong Kong due to its low cost, flexibility, and availability, though most of China has shifted to metal support structures. Currently, over 2,500 skilled workers handle bamboo scaffolds, while three times as many work on metal structures.
Experts warn that the main danger isn’t bamboo itself, but poor management and accumulated debris, which can accelerate fires. Recent incidents in the city have sparked calls to reconsider this traditional construction practice.
