Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the Hong Kong government's response to the recent fire incident at Hongfu Garden, focusing on safety regulations for scaffolding and the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the fire's causes [3][5]. Group 1: Government Actions and Regulations - The Hong Kong government has mandated that all scaffolding must be removed by December 6, and new operational guidelines will be introduced to ensure safety standards are met before scaffolding materials are used on construction sites [3][4]. - The police have arrested six individuals for allegedly making false statements regarding the fire safety systems at Hongfu Garden [3][5]. - An independent committee led by a judge will be established to conduct a thorough investigation into the fire's causes, with recommendations to be submitted to the Chief Executive [5]. Group 2: Safety Inspections and Findings - Initial inspections revealed that some safety nets were compliant, but further testing uncovered non-compliance, leading to public disclosures of the results [4]. - A rigorous sampling method was employed for scaffolding inspections, with samples taken from various heights of buildings, resulting in thousands of samples collected across over 300 buildings [4][5]. Group 3: Financial Support for Affected Residents - As of December 3, the Hongfu Garden Assistance Fund has received donations totaling HKD 2.1 billion, with an additional HKD 300 million from the government, bringing the total fund to approximately HKD 2.4 billion for long-term support of residents [5].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent fire incident in Hong Kong, analyzing the role of bamboo scaffolding and the construction practices involved, emphasizing that while bamboo scaffolding contributes to fire risks, it is not the sole factor in the incident [1][3]. Group 1: Bamboo Scaffolding and Fire Risks - Bamboo is a combustible material, with its flammability depending on moisture content; fresh bamboo burns slowly, while dry bamboo poses a higher risk [1]. - Bamboo scaffolding can facilitate rapid fire spread due to ventilation and continuity, but it is often treated with fire retardants, which may not be the root cause of fire incidents [2][3]. - The combination of bamboo scaffolding and flammable materials, such as non-fire-retardant netting, significantly accelerates fire spread [3]. Group 2: Construction Practices and Regulations - The bamboo scaffolding industry in Hong Kong is managed by skilled workers known as "bamboo scaffolding masters," with approximately 2,500 registered practitioners [4]. - The Hong Kong government has mandated that 50% of new public works contracts must utilize metal scaffolding, although some workers argue that this change alone will not prevent accidents [7]. - Compliance with fire safety standards for materials used in scaffolding is crucial; any lapses in these regulations can lead to accidents [8][9]. Group 3: Investigation and Accountability - Investigations are focusing on whether cost-cutting measures led to the use of non-fire-retardant materials and if there were regulatory oversights in subcontracting practices [11]. - The Hong Kong police have arrested several individuals connected to the contracting company, indicating a serious inquiry into safety compliance [11]. - The article highlights that the presence of the bamboo scaffolding union is rooted in historical and economic factors, suggesting that a complete ban on bamboo scaffolding is unlikely in the short term [11].