Deadly Hong Kong Fire Exposes Risks of Bamboo Scaffolding Amid Calls for Safety Reforms

In a devastating tragedy that has left at least 65 dead, a massive fire engulfed a residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. While investigations continue into the exact cause, one glaring factor stands out: the extensive use of bamboo scaffolding—an ancient technique still common in this global city but dangerously combustible. How Long Will Outdated Practices Jeopardize Public Safety? The inferno began on the exterior bamboo scaffolding of a 32-story tower, quickly spreading inside the building and then leaping to six nearby towers. Windy conditions and flammable materials like plastic netting and Styrofoam panels further fueled the rapid...