香港大埔火灾，不是天灾

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the tragic fire incident at Hong Kong's Hong Fu Court, which resulted in at least 72 deaths, marking one of the most severe fires in the region in nearly three decades [5][6]. Group 1: Fire Incident Details - The fire originated from scaffolding outside the building, which was under renovation, and quickly spread to seven out of eight buildings in the complex [7][10][39]. - The rapid spread of the fire was attributed to the use of bamboo scaffolding and non-fire-resistant materials, which are common in Hong Kong's construction practices [18][25][29]. - The lack of fire alarms on the construction site contributed to the inability of residents to evacuate in time [8][10]. Group 2: Construction Practices and Regulations - The bamboo scaffolding used is lightweight and cost-effective but poses significant safety risks, including being a fire hazard [20][23]. - The protective netting used during renovations was not made of fire-resistant materials, further exacerbating the fire risk [25][26]. - Despite previous incidents highlighting the dangers of such materials, regulatory enforcement has been lax, allowing unsafe practices to continue [43][46]. Group 3: Community and Financial Implications - Residents had previously raised concerns about the fire hazards associated with the renovation materials, but their warnings were dismissed by contractors [32][33]. - The renovation project required a budget of 330 million HKD, with individual homeowners facing significant financial burdens, leading to dissatisfaction and allegations of corruption within the homeowners' committee [33][35][38]. - The tragedy has left many residents not only financially devastated but also homeless, as the majority of the buildings were destroyed [39][40]. Group 4: Accountability and Future Considerations - The article emphasizes the need for accountability among contractors and regulatory bodies, especially given the history of similar incidents in Hong Kong [42][43]. - There is a call for stricter regulations regarding the use of bamboo scaffolding and the materials used in construction to prevent future tragedies [46][47]. - The article reflects on the historical context of fire safety in Hong Kong, noting that lessons from past incidents have not been adequately learned, leading to repeated mistakes [56][58].