When Renovation Turns Risky: Lessons from the Tai Po Fire and the Role of Scaffolding Safety

The recent fire in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has shaken the global construction and safety community. As of Sunday, at least 146 people have been confirmed dead, 79 injured, and around 150 residents are still missing, with thousands displaced as seven high-rise apartment towers burned in one of the region’s deadliest urban fires.

While investigations are still underway, early reports suggest that several renovation-related factors— including the choice of scaffolding, the materials used, and the presence of residents inside the buildings during active construction —may have contributed to the rapid spread and the scale of the tragedy.

For those of us in the scaffolding and construction industries, the Tai Po fire serves as a sobering reminder: the systems we erect and the materials we choose carry real consequences. Safety isn't optional—it's life or death.

How Scaffolding Choices Can Raise or Reduce Fire Risk

Hong Kong commonly uses bamboo scaffolding, a traditional material known for its flexibility, strength, and low cost. However, bamboo is also highly flammable. When used on high-rise buildings, especially across multiple towers connected by platforms and external coverings, it can act as fuel that accelerates flame spread vertically and horizontally.

During the Tai Po incident, preliminary assessments indicate that flames may have traveled along exterior scaffolding components, contributing to how quickly the fire engulfed multiple towers.

Risk factors associated with bamboo scaffolding:

• Highly flammable, especially in dry or windy conditions
• Lightweight and breathable, allowing oxygen to feed a fire
• Often wrapped with plastic mesh, which is also flammable
• Can inadvertently connect fire paths from one floor—or one building—to another

While bamboo scaffolding is traditional and economical, its fire risk cannot be ignored in modern, dense urban environments.

Safer Alternatives for High-Rise Projects

In contrast, steel scaffolding:

• Does not burn, reducing fire load
• Provides greater structural fire resistance
• Supports fire-rated containment materials
• Is better suited for occupied-building renovations

Material choice matters. It shapes safety outcomes long before the first worker steps on site.

The Hidden Danger of Renovating Occupied Buildings

One of the most troubling aspects of the Tai Po fire is that residents were still living inside the towers during renovations. This practice is common in many cities where displacement is costly or not feasible, but it poses enormous risks.

Key hazards when residents remain in place:

• Blocked or reduced egress routes due to scaffolding, barriers, or stored materials
• Electrical hazards from temporary wiring
• Higher ignition risk due to power tools, welding, and construction debris
• Limited evacuation time if fire spreads along the building exterior
• Confusion during emergencies because residents aren’t familiar with temporary site layouts

Renovation in an occupied structure requires strict safety planning, regular inspections, and clear communication with residents. Without it, disaster can unfold quickly.

What the Tai Po Fire Teaches the Construction Industry

Every scaffolding company, contractor, and building owner should draw lessons from this tragedy.

1. Material selection is a life-safety decision

Choosing non-combustible scaffolding systems—especially for tall or densely packed structures—can significantly limit fire spread.

2. Occupied renovations require elevated safety protocols

If residents must stay in place, contractors need enhanced fire-stopping, emergency access plans, and real-time monitoring.

3. External scaffolding can become part of a fire path

Even if the fire starts inside, exterior materials can amplify the danger if they're flammable.

4. Regulations should evolve with urban density

Cities worldwide may need to revisit policies that allow highly flammable scaffolding materials on high-rise projects.

How Southwest Scaffolding Approaches Safety

At Southwest Scaffolding, safety is at the core of everything we do.

• We provide non-combustible steel scaffolding systems built for both commercial and residential projects.
• We emphasize professional installation, proper load management, and fire-safe materials.
• For any renovation involving occupied structures, we help contractors develop access solutions that maintain emergency egress and minimize exposure to hazards.

Incidents like the Tai Po fire reinforce why the industry must prioritize durable systems and safety-first planning—especially in situations where lives depend on the integrity of temporary structures.

The Tai Po tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a construction-related risk can turn catastrophic.

Safe scaffolding practices, material choices, and renovation protocols can save lives.

Southwest Scaffolding remains committed to supporting contractors with high-quality, fire-resistant scaffolding solutions designed to protect workers and the public—today and every day.