The Wake-Up Call: Lessons from the Wang Fuk Court Level 5 Fire

The recent tragedy at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Hong Kong, has shook the construction and building maintenance industry to its core. A Level 5 fire—the first in 17 years—claimed 44 lives and injured dozens more. As the smoke clears, a disturbing truth has emerged from the firefighters’ initial reports: the materials meant to protect the building actually fueled the flames.

At Metenique, we extend our deepest condolences to the victims. As industry professionals, we also feel a responsibility to analyze the structural causes of this disaster to prevent future tragedies.

The “Chimney Effect”: Analyzing the Cause

Firefighters reported an “unusual” rate of fire spread. The culprit? The exterior renovation materials.

1. Flammable Protective Nets: The nylon or plastic dust nets used on the exterior ignited instantly, turning the building’s facade into a vertical wall of fire.

2. Foam Boards: Found on ventilation windows, these highly flammable materials acted as accelerants, melting and dripping fire onto lower levels.

3. Bamboo Scaffolding: While traditional in Hong Kong, dry bamboo combined with nylon nets creates a massive fire load that is difficult to extinguish.

The Critical Comparison: Traditional vs. Modern Safety Systems

This disaster highlights the urgent need to transition from traditional combustible materials to non-combustible steel solutions.

1. Scaffolding: Bamboo vs. Steel

• Bamboo Scaffolding:

  • Risk: Highly flammable organic material. Once ignited, it loses structural integrity rapidly, leading to collapse and blocking escape routes.

  • Status: Traditional but risky for high-rise renovations without strict fire treatment.

• Steel Scaffolding (Ringlock/Frame):

  • Advantage: Non-combustible. Steel does not catch fire. In a high-temperature event, it maintains structural stability much longer than bamboo, allowing firefighters safe access and residents time to evacuate.

  • Durability: High load-bearing capacity and resistant to wind and impact.

2. Exterior Protection: Dust Nets vs. Steel Mesh Screens

• Ordinary Plastic/Nylon Nets:

  • Risk: As seen in Tai Po, these nets melt and burn fiercely. They trap heat and channel smoke upwards, accelerating the “Chimney Effect.”

  • Status: Cheap but dangerous.

• Steel Safety Screens (For Climbing Formwork/Scaffolding):

  • Advantage: Fireproof Barrier. Our All-Steel Safety Screens are punched from galvanized steel sheets. They stop debris from falling but, more importantly, they do not burn.

  • Function: They act as a physical fire break rather than a fuel source. They provide ventilation without the risk of rapid flame spread associated with dense plastic mesh.

Conclusion: Safety Cannot Be Compromised

The cost of using “compliance-only” cheap materials is too high when lives are at stake. The Wang Fuk Court fire serves as a grim reminder that fire safety extends to the construction phase, not just the finished building.

Developers and contractors must adopt All-Steel Scaffolding Systems and Fireproof Steel Mesh to eliminate the risk of facade fires.

Looking for fire-safe construction solutions? Contact Metenique today to discuss how our Steel Scaffolding and Safety Screens can protect your next project.