Core Viewpoint - The recent fire incident in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, which resulted in 44 fatalities, raises concerns about the fire safety of old high-rise buildings and the use of bamboo scaffolding in construction, suggesting a need for stricter regulations and safety standards in building materials and practices [3][4][6]. Group 1: Fire Incident Details - The fire at Hong Kong's Hong Fuk Estate was classified as a level five fire and lasted over ten hours, leading to 44 deaths and 45 injuries [3][4]. - Initial investigations revealed that the building's exterior materials may not have met fire safety standards, with the presence of flammable materials like foam insulation potentially contributing to the rapid spread of the fire [4][5]. - The estate, built in 1983, consists of eight 31-story buildings with a total of 1,984 units, highlighting the age and potential safety concerns of older structures [5]. Group 2: Construction Practices and Materials - 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, especially in high-rise construction [5][6]. - The use of non-fire-retardant materials in construction, such as the green protective nets, has been identified as a significant factor in the fire's rapid spread [4][6]. - There is a growing call for the adoption of metal scaffolding in public works projects, with plans for at least half of new projects to utilize metal scaffolding by early 2025 [6]. Group 3: Urban Density and Fire Safety Challenges - The high density of buildings in Hong Kong, coupled with narrow streets, complicates fire control efforts and increases the risk of fire spreading between structures [7][9]. - The presence of flammable materials in common areas, such as stairwells, exacerbates the fire risk and hinders evacuation efforts during emergencies [7][9]. - The challenges of firefighting in high-rise buildings are underscored by the limitations of fire ladder heights, which struggle to reach buildings over 100 meters tall, necessitating alternative firefighting strategies [9].