Hong Kong Accelerates Safety Reforms as Scaffolding Nets Removed Citywide After Deadly Fire

Hong Kong – Hong Kong is moving swiftly to improve building safety standards by ordering the immediate removal of scaffolding mesh across all residential renovation sites.

The decision follows a tragic fire at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex, prompting authorities to prioritise stronger protections for residents and workers.

The government issued instructions for both public and private buildings to dismantle the mesh by Saturday, describing the action as essential for restoring confidence in the safety of housing estates.

Officials emphasized that rapid intervention was necessary to ease public anxiety and reduce the risk of future incidents.

The fire, which swept through seven high-rise blocks on Nov. 26, has become the city’s deadliest in decades.

Investigators say substandard scaffolding mesh and insulation materials played a major role in intensifying the blaze as it spread across the towers.

Renovation work throughout the city is expected to pause temporarily as authorities conduct inspections to confirm compliance with updated safety protocols.

The review will assess materials, installation standards and documentation to ensure higher reliability before any project resumes.

At a housing estate in Sha Tin, workers began dismantling the protective netting early on Thursday as part of the citywide effort.

Residents expressed relief, with many saying the removal was an important step toward preventing similar accidents in the future.

Eighty-two-year-old resident C.K. Lau said removing the nets brought comfort to the community.

He noted that residents had long been concerned about fire hazards linked to renovation materials and were reassured by the government’s decision.

Authorities have detained 21 people in connection with the incident as part of an expanded investigation aimed at uncovering lapses in safety oversight.

Among those arrested are senior figures from major construction firms suspected of manslaughter, along with several individuals facing fraud allegations.

Officials said poorly manufactured plastic mesh and insulation foam used at the site contributed to the intensity of the 40-hour blaze.

Investigators also found that some fire alarms were not functioning properly at the time of the incident.

Residents of Wang Fuk Court had previously raised concerns about fire risks during renovation, although they were informed that the overall danger was relatively low.

The incident has renewed calls for more transparent assessments and stricter enforcement of safety measures.

Hong Kong’s leadership has responded by establishing a judge-led committee to examine the fire’s causes and recommend comprehensive reforms.

The committee will also review how renovation projects are monitored, ensuring greater accountability for contractors and regulators.

More than 200 private buildings and over a dozen public structures will now be required to remove the scaffolding nets.

Authorities said that contractors must bear the full cost of the dismantling to ensure that residents are not burdened by the expense.

The building department plans to issue an updated code of practice next week, introducing new rules for sampling and certifying scaffolding material.

Under the changes, nets can only be installed after being tested and verified by accredited laboratories.

Authorities are also examining suspected false safety certificates issued for materials imported from a manufacturer based in Shandong.

One of the sites using the questionable netting was linked to the main contractor involved at Wang Fuk Court.

The city continues to identify victims from the fire, with 140 individuals confirmed so far, ranging from infants to elderly residents.

Officials say the priority now is strengthening safety systems to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated.