In Hong Kong on November 26, a massive fire erupted at the Wan Fuk Court residential complex, engulfing seven high-rise buildings. A day later, authorities reported 65 dead and 70 injured, while more than 270 people remain listed as missing. The 31-storey towers, built in 1983, were undergoing major renovation. The blaze intensified rapidly because of the bamboo scaffolding installed around the structures—it allowed the fire to race along the entire perimeter.
The use of bamboo in construction has a long history in China, dating back to the Han dynasty more than two millennia ago. In Hong Kong, the technique remains widespread, including on high-rise projects. In mainland China, however, bamboo scaffolding was banned in 2022 due to fire risks. Hong Kong authorities had previously discussed a similar prohibition, but many residents opposed the move, viewing the practice as part of the city’s cultural heritage. Officials now intend to revisit the question of restricting its use.
Firefighters managed to fully suppress the blaze only nearly 24 hours after it began. Yet, as CNN noted, even after Hong Kong authorities declared the situation “largely under control,” isolated flames were still visible in the windows.
The buildings were in the midst of major renovation: they were wrapped in bamboo scaffolding covered with protective mesh, which allowed the flames to spread with exceptional speed.
The first reports of the blaze at Wan Fuk Court came in around 3 p.m. local time. The incident was soon assigned the highest hazard category. As BBC News noted, the last fire of comparable scale in Hong Kong occurred in 2008 in one of the city’s commercial districts.
Animal welfare groups shared information from pet owners with rescue teams so firefighters could check the relevant apartments and evacuate any animals trapped inside. According to a representative of Hong Kong Guardians, at least ten cats, seven dogs and several turtles were rescued from the burning buildings.
Hong Kong authorities set up a hotline for relatives and loved ones of Wan Fuk Court residents and established a relief fund for those affected. As CNN reported, the mainland Chinese government allocated two million yuan (over 280,000 dollars) through the Red Cross. Major Chinese companies also joined the largest charitable contributions.
According to preliminary assessments by Hong Kong authorities, the protective netting covering the bamboo scaffolding likely failed to meet fire-safety standards. The windows of the buildings themselves had been sealed with panels that also violated construction requirements. As part of the investigation into the blaze, police arrested three senior employees of the construction company and charged them with manslaughter.
After the tragedy at Wan Fuk Court, Hong Kong authorities announced plans to inspect all residential complexes undergoing major renovation to assess the safety of the scaffolding and materials in use.
The fire at Wan Fuk Court also forced the evacuation of residents in neighboring buildings, who were moved to temporary shelters. As CNN noted, many organizations sent assistance to people who lost their homes and possessions. Collection points for essential supplies were set up across several districts of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong authorities announced a one-time payment—10,000 Hong Kong dollars per apartment (1,280 US dollars). It remains unclear when residents, many of whom are elderly, will be able to return to their homes.