Hong Kong high-rise fire: misinformation targets firefighters and bamboo scaffoldings • FRANCE 24

Key Concepts

• Deadliest Fire in Seven Decades: The recent fire in Hong Kong, resulting in at least 151 casualties.
• Firefighter Controversy: Accusations and debates surrounding the effectiveness and tactics of firefighters.
• Fake News and Disinformation: The spread of false information, particularly targeting firefighters and the incident.
• Equipment Limitations: Challenges faced by firefighters due to inadequate equipment like ladders and hoses.
• Environmental Factors: The impact of high winds and extreme heat on firefighting operations.
• Bamboo Scaffolding: The traditional and iconic construction method in Hong Kong, its properties, and its role in the fire.
• Fire Safety Standards: Concerns and reviews regarding the fire resistance of materials and construction practices.
• Infrastructure Review: Beijing's announcement to review infrastructure with bamboo scaffolding and fire safety in high-rise buildings across China.

Hong Kong Fire Tragedy and Subsequent Controversies

This report details the aftermath of a devastating fire in Hong Kong, which has been described as the deadliest in seven decades, claiming at least 151 lives. The blaze, which began last Wednesday, was not fully extinguished until Friday, leading to significant controversy, particularly concerning the actions of the firefighters.

Firefighting Efforts and Challenges

Firefighters engaged in a prolonged battle against the flames for over 40 hours. However, the Hong Kong security chief, in a press conference, highlighted the prevalence of "fake news" surrounding the incident. He attributed much of this misinformation to "anti-China troublemakers" and even threatened arrests.

The alleged fake news primarily targeted the firefighters, suggesting they were not using adequate protective equipment and did not employ correct tactics. In contrast, reporting from AP colleagues indicated that firefighters faced considerable difficulties due to several factors:

• Equipment Limitations: Ladders and hoses could only reach halfway up the 32-story buildings.
• High Winds: These prevented the deployment of helicopters, which could have aided in firefighting efforts.
• Extreme Heat: The intense heat at times made it impossible for firefighters to enter the buildings and rescue more people.

Disinformation and Misleading Footage

The report also addresses the circulation of misleading videos online. While many videos and photos showed firefighters bravely entering the burning complex, some of which tragically depicted firefighters losing their lives, other circulating clips were not from Hong Kong.

An example cited is a video posted on X, written in traditional Chinese, purportedly showing the bodycam footage of a firefighter navigating a burning building. However, a reverse image search revealed the same video on YouTube from the GoPro channel, posted a year prior (November 2024) and filmed in Santiago, Chile, not Hong Kong.

The Role of Bamboo Scaffolding

Another significant controversy revolved around the role of bamboo scaffolding in the tragedy. Bamboo scaffolding is a common and iconic construction technique in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong, used for centuries. It involves lashing bamboo poles together with materials like wires and plastic straps. This method is known for its strength, flexibility, affordability, and ease of transport and assembly.

When officials stated that the fire originated on the external scaffolding, immediate blame was directed at the bamboo structure. Online, defenders of the technique pushed back, with posts on platforms like Reddit arguing that this portrayal was "infuriating" and perpetuated a "harmful stereotype that Hong Kong is lacking in technology."

Evidence presented included photos showing the bamboo scaffolding retaining its structural integrity even as the green netting covering it had burned. Early investigations suggested that this green netting, which was not up to fire safety standards, played a role in the fire's spread.

Bamboo's Fire Resistance and Future Implications

Regarding the fire resistance of bamboo, videos and expert interviews suggest that bamboo has an outer coating that offers good fire resistance and does not catch fire easily. However, the critical point is that if bamboo does catch fire, the entire structure burns, and the fire can spread upwards rapidly.

Crucially, Hong Kong authorities were aware of these risks. In March of the same year, they issued a memo outlining plans to transition from bamboo scaffolding to metal scaffolding due to its superior fire safety properties.

Following the tragedy, Beijing announced a review of all infrastructure utilizing bamboo scaffolding and fire safety standards in high-rise buildings across China. In Hong Kong, crews have been observed removing netting and bamboo scaffolding from buildings.

Conclusion

The Hong Kong fire incident has exposed critical issues related to firefighting capabilities, the spread of disinformation, and the fire safety implications of traditional construction methods like bamboo scaffolding. The controversy highlights the need for accurate reporting, robust emergency response infrastructure, and a thorough re-evaluation of safety standards in urban environments. The ongoing reviews and infrastructure changes signal a move towards enhanced safety measures in response to this devastating event.