Cause of Fire: Hong Kong apartment towers erupt in deadly Tai Po blaze

The cause of the Hong Kong apartment fire that killed at least 14 people in Tai Po is now the focus of an urgent investigation, as fire experts and government officials examine how flames raced across multiple high-rise towers on Wednesday. The disaster, one of the city’s deadliest fires in decades, has raised major safety questions about construction practices, renovation materials and the long-criticised bamboo scaffolding system still used across Hong Kong.

Authorities say the fire began on the lower floors of Wang Fuk Court, a large residential complex under renovation, before spreading rapidly along bamboo frames and green protective mesh that wrapped the buildings. The exact ignition source has not been confirmed, but inspectors are narrowing their focus to renovation works, stored materials, and the external scaffolding structure that appears to have fuelled the blaze.

Investigators examine scaffolding, renovation work and ignition points

Fire Services teams returned to the site on Thursday morning to conduct structural checks, gather debris samples and interview construction workers. Early assessments suggest the blaze may have started in an area undergoing heavy renovation, where building materials, solvents and electrical equipment were stored. Officials stressed that no conclusion has been reached, but all possibilities remain open.

The bamboo scaffolding, which covered nearly all of the estate’s exterior walls, is emerging as a central element in the investigation. Flames were seen climbing the bamboo poles and mesh within minutes, according to eyewitnesses and video footage. Fire experts have long warned that bamboo, though flexible and inexpensive, can act as a ladder for fire when wrapped in flammable plastic netting.

The buildings at Wang Fuk Court were also undergoing a year-long external refurbishment, and investigators are reviewing permits, contractor safety records and recent inspection reports. Areas of interest include electrical cables, temporary lighting and the storage of paints or coatings that could have acted as accelerants.

Authorities confirmed that strong afternoon winds carried the flames from one tower to another, turning the blaze into a multi-block disaster. However, they say wind alone does not explain the speed and scale of the fire, reinforcing the need to determine whether construction materials or work processes contributed to its spread.

Residents’ accounts help shape the early timeline

Survivors describe hearing a loud bang minutes before smoke filled the lower floors. Some residents said they smelled chemicals in the air as the fire spread to higher levels, a detail investigators are now reviewing as they trace possible ignition sources. Others said they saw sparks or flashes near construction hoists, though fire officials have not confirmed any equipment malfunction.

One 71-year-old resident said he saw flames erupt near a block that was being actively worked on during the afternoon. Another resident reported seeing scaffolding pieces falling while fire crews battled the blaze, suggesting structural collapse may have worsened the spread.

Authorities are also checking whether the building’s firebreaks, external walls and renovation coverings complied with updated safety rules. The government began phasing out bamboo scaffolding on public projects earlier this year, but Wang Fuk Court’s renovation used traditional bamboo frames due to older construction permissions.

Officials call for accountability as inquiry expands

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive has ordered a full independent investigation, including a review of contractor performance and renovation oversight. The inquiry will assess whether safety laws were followed and whether lapses contributed to the tragedy. Regulators say they will examine fire load levels, worker practices, material storage rules and the flammability of external mesh coverings.

For now, investigators say determining the cause of the Hong Kong apartment fire is a priority. The findings will shape new policies on scaffolding, high-rise renovation and emergency response protocols. Families of victims, displaced residents and safety experts are calling for faster reform and stricter enforcement to prevent similar disasters.

The cause of the Hong Kong apartment fire remains under investigation, but early focus on scaffolding, renovation materials and ignition sources suggests the final report will have major implications for construction safety across the city.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the main suspected cause of the Hong Kong apartment fire?

Investigators are examining renovation areas, stored materials and scaffolding structures. No final cause has been confirmed yet.

Q2: Could bamboo scaffolding have made the fire worse?

Yes. Early observations show flames climbed the bamboo and plastic mesh quickly. This is a major focus of the investigation.

Q3: When will officials confirm the cause?

Authorities say it may take days or weeks to complete structural inspections and lab analyses. A preliminary report will come first.

Q4: Were renovation materials involved?

Investigators are testing debris to determine whether paints, solvents or electrical equipment contributed to ignition or spread.

Q5: Will the incident change safety rules?

Officials expect major updates in scaffolding regulations, renovation approval processes and fire safety standards for high-rise buildings.

References

Reuters. (2025). Fire engulfs Hong Kong residential building killing at least 14 people, trapping others. November 26, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). 13 people killed in fire engulfing Hong Kong residential buildings, fire services say. November 26, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). At least 13 dead as firefighters battle Hong Kong high-rise blaze. November 26, 2025.