两问香港大埔火灾：施工为何采用竹棚架？高楼为何难施救？

Core Insights - The fire at Hong Kong's Ma On Shan estate has resulted in 44 fatalities and 45 injuries, raising concerns about the safety of construction materials used in high-rise buildings [1][2] - Investigations suggest that the rapid spread of the fire may be linked to the use of non-fire-resistant materials, particularly the green protective nets and foam insulation used in construction [2][3] - The incident has prompted discussions on the safety regulations surrounding the use of bamboo scaffolding, which is prevalent in Hong Kong's construction industry [4][5] Construction Material Concerns - The external wall materials of the affected buildings exhibited unusual fire spread characteristics, leading authorities to suspect potential criminal activity [2] - Bamboo scaffolding, which constitutes 90% of the scaffolding market in Hong Kong, is noted for its low ignition point and has been criticized for its fire safety risks [3][4] - The use of non-compliant materials in construction and maintenance processes, including insulation and sealing materials, is highlighted as a significant risk factor [5] Regulatory and Safety Implications - Current safety regulations do not adequately address the fire resistance of scaffolding materials, which has raised alarms among safety experts [3] - The Hong Kong government plans to mandate that at least half of new public works projects utilize metal scaffolding by early 2025 to enhance safety [4] - The high density of buildings and the close proximity of residential units complicate fire control efforts, as does the common practice of using stairwells for storage, which can impede evacuation [5][6] Fire Rescue Challenges - The high-rise nature of buildings in Hong Kong presents significant challenges for fire rescue operations, particularly for structures exceeding 100 meters in height [8] - The recent fire involved over 140 fire trucks and 800 personnel, highlighting the scale of the emergency response required for such incidents [8]