[Crimson Dynamo]

Finn Lau 劉祖廸
@Finnlau_cd
UK chartered surveyor. Hong Kong-born policy advocate. Advisor
@hk_watch
. China observer. Campaigner. Alumni
@UCL
.

I don’t often speak in my professional capacity as a Hong Kong–born, UK-chartered construction professional (MRICS, MAPM, NECReg, among others). But I need to address inaccurate reporting about bamboo scaffolding in the Hong Kong Tai Po fire.

HK is my homeland - renowned for its skyscraper skyline and the traditional craft of bamboo scaffolding. Over its 185+ year history, bamboo has been widely used in HK construction for its flexibility, ductility, lightness and its FIRE RESISTANCE.

Contrary to public misconception, the physical structure of bamboo itself makes it a flame-resistant material. Rather, it is the corrupt practice of using non-compliant and flammable mesh netting that is the likely cause of the fire’s rapid spread.

Those mesh materials can accelerate vertical and lateral fire spread (from lower floors to higher floors, and between blocks). This is primarily evidenced by photos showing the structural integrity of bamboo after a 2-day sustained fire.

More broadly, to facilitate the absorption of HK into the PRC, the HK gov has been keen on dismantling Hong Kong unique culture - bamboo craft, neon signage, historic buildings and languages to name a few, alongside ongoing crackdown on judiciary system and free speech.

Instead of launching an independent investigation immediately (as the UK did after the Grenfell Tower fire), the HK gov announced on the following day it would accelerate the switch to (Chinese-imported) metal scaffolding without first completing a full investigation.

It also ignored reporting and prior whistleblowing about the widespread use of non-compliant, flammable mesh nets on HK construction sites in the previous year, as well as brushing off potential legal negligence of senior HK gov officials on the 2024 whistleblowing.

I understand it can sometimes be hard to get a full picture while reporting fast-moving incidents. Still, I urge journalists to correct inaccuracies when they arise. Reinforcing misconceptions about bamboo craftsmanship only supports a misleading official narrative.



https://x.com/finnlau_cd/status/1994...815857653?s=20