04 Dec Deadly Hong Kong fire sparks conversation about construction materials, and their risks

A major fire in a Hong Kong housing estate has raised serious questions about building safety, renovation standards and the continued use of bamboo scaffolding in high-rise environments.

Authorities say the fire, which broke out during renovation works on 26 November, became one of the city’s deadliest incidents in decades.

Over 159 were killed, as reported on 3 December, and many more were injured or displaced after flames spread rapidly across several residential towers, each with 30 levels.

According to early findings from the investigation, the fire started on bamboo scaffolding surrounding a tower that was undergoing exterior repairs. The scaffolding had been wrapped in plastic mesh and insulation materials, some of which are now suspected to have been flammable.

Once the fire took hold, it moved quickly up the side of the building and then across to neighbouring blocks, leaving residents with little time to escape.

Police have arrested several people linked to the renovation project on suspicion of negligence. Officials also confirmed that some fire alarms did not operate properly, and residents had previously raised concerns about safety during the renovation period. These reports have added to public frustration and increased scrutiny of both the construction company and regulatory oversight.

Bamboo scaffolding is still widely used in Hong Kong because it is cheap, flexible and easy to assemble in dense urban areas. However, experts say this incident highlights the risks when traditional scaffolding is combined with modern synthetic coverings and insulation. While bamboo can be relatively safe when used correctly, adding plastic mesh, foam panels or other combustible materials can create conditions where a small fire spreads far more quickly than expected.

There is now growing pressure on Hong Kong authorities to reassess the rules around scaffolding and the materials used on building exteriors. Investigators are also reviewing whether inspections during renovation were adequate and whether stricter controls are needed when buildings remain occupied during major works.

The incident has drawn attention outside Hong Kong as well, particularly in African cities where urban development has outpaced updates to building regulations.

Several major fires in recent years have exposed gaps in safety standards, materials oversight and emergency preparedness.

In South Africa, for example, the Charlotte Maxeke hospital fire in Johannesburg and the 2023 Usindiso building fire showed just what the risks associated with ageing structures, informal internal modifications and poor fire-safety compliance were.

In Nairobi, repeated fires in high-density neighbourhoods have also raised concerns about unsafe electrical systems and the use of flammable materials in both formal and informal buildings.

While African cities typically respond to major fires with rapid mobilisation of emergency services and public statements by local authorities, structural follow-through is inconsistent, per some outlets.

While investigations are often opened quickly, they do not always lead to systematic reforms or enforcement action. After large fires in Johannesburg and Lagos, calls were made to tighten inspections and upgrade safety standards, but implementation has been uneven due to things like resource constraints, informal construction practices and varying levels of regulatory oversight.

Comparisons between the Hong Kong fire and the UK’s Grenfell disaster have also surfaced. Grenfell was caused by flammable cladding that enabled flames to spread rapidly up the tower, killing 72 people in 2017. The parallels reinforce concerns about how exterior materials behave during a fire — an issue relevant to any rapidly growing city.

For residents, the focus now is on accountability and ensuring such a disaster is not repeated. For governments and the construction industry across Asia and Africa, the fire serves as a reminder that external materials, scaffolding choices and basic safety checks can determine whether a renovation site remains safe or becomes a serious risk.