Residents of Wang Fuk Court, the housing complex consumed in Hong Kong’s worst fire in seven decades, had repeatedly warned authorities about potential fire hazards linked to ongoing renovation works long before last week’s deadly blaze.
According to the Labour Department, residents lodged complaints as far back as September 2024, particularly about the flammability of the green protective mesh wrapped around bamboo scaffolding. The mesh was used to catch falling debris during the renovation.
After reviewing the material, the department informed residents that its flame-retardant performance met required safety standards under rules enforced by the Building Department.
But a starkly different picture emerged after the tragedy. Hong Kong police said on November 26 that the exterior walls of the buildings were covered with nets, membranes, tarpaulins, and plastic sheets suspected of failing to meet fire-safety requirements.
Three people linked to renovation contractor Prestige Construction have since been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
The exact cause of the fire — which has claimed at least 128 lives — is still under investigation.
