The tragic loss of 44 lives and 279 missing in the Hong Kong Wang Fuk Court fire— believed to have ignited on external bamboo scaffolding—shows how quickly fire can spread when temporary works are vulnerable . Prof. Jiang also noted that the blocks were “relatively old,” built in the 1980s, meaning their single-pane glass windows were not very fire-resilient. Modern buildings use double-pane glazing, but the older design made the windows easier for flames to break through, allowing the fire to penetrate the façade rapidly .

Why Kenya Must Strengthen Scaffolding Safety
In Kenya, many construction sites still rely on untreated timber poles that degrade fast, weaken under load, and are highly flammable—mirroring the risks seen in Hong Kong . Structural engineers, contractors, and OSH teams must collaborate to ensure all temporary works meet strict fire and structural safety standards . No project timeline, budget pressure, or convenience is worth risking lives, and safer scaffolding practices must become a national priority.