Hong Kong Orders Immediate Removal of Scaffolding Nets

Hong Kong, December 4, 2025 – Hong Kong authorities have rushed to remove scaffolding mesh from all buildings undergoing renovations across the city following the deadly fire at Wang Fuk Court, which claimed at least 159 lives. The government mandated that all nets be removed from public and private residential buildings by Saturday, citing public safety concerns and the need to reassure residents and businesses.

Officials identified the plastic scaffolding mesh as a key factor in spreading the fire that engulfed seven high-rise apartment blocks at Wang Fuk Court on November 26. Renovation work across the city will largely pause temporarily while inspectors verify that remaining materials meet new safety standards.

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Residents Support Swift Removal of Nets

Workers began dismantling protective netting at a Sha Tin housing estate, approximately 15 minutes from the Wang Fuk Court complex. Residents expressed relief at the decision. C.K. Lau, an 82-year-old retiree, said removing the nets “reduces the chance of a similar type of incident,” while noting that residents feel safer with government action.

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Police Arrests and Investigation Details

Authorities have arrested 21 individuals in connection with the fire, including:

• 15 personnel from construction companies, suspected of manslaughter, among them two directors and an engineering consultant from Prestige Construction, the main contractor at Wang Fuk Court
• 6 workers from a fire service installation contractor, suspected of fraud

Investigations revealed that substandard plastic mesh and insulation foam likely contributed to the rapid spread of the 40-hour fire, compounded by non-functional fire alarms. Residents had previously raised concerns about fire hazards from renovation work, but were assured by the Labour Department that fire risks were “relatively low.”

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Contractors to Cover Removal Costs

Development Secretary Bernadette Linn announced that more than 200 private buildings and over 10 public housing and government buildings will need to remove scaffolding nets. Contractors are responsible for bearing the financial cost of removal.

Hong Kong’s Building Department plans to issue a new code of practice next week. All scaffold net materials will be sampled on-site and must be certified by designated laboratories before installation. Authorities are also investigating potentially false safety documents from a Shandong-based manufacturer, previously used at renovation sites including those handled by Prestige Construction.

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Human Toll and Ongoing Displacement

Of the 159 bodies recovered from the Wang Fuk Court fire, 140 have been identified (91 females, 49 males), ranging in age from 1 to 97 years. 31 individuals remain missing, including foreign domestic helpers from Indonesia and the Philippines.

The disaster has displaced more than 2,900 residents, with 1,152 in hostels, temporary camps, or hotels, and 1,765 housed in transitional accommodation units.

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Government Response and Oversight

Hong Kong leader John Lee has called for a judge-led committee to investigate the fire and review building renovation oversight, ensuring accountability and transparency. The removal of scaffolding nets is part of a broader effort to prevent future tragedies and strengthen city-wide construction safety standards.

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Conclusion

The Wang Fuk Court fire represents Hong Kong’s deadliest residential blaze in decades, prompting urgent action to remove flammable scaffolding nets and enhance safety protocols. The government’s swift response, combined with stricter building codes and enhanced inspection measures, aims to protect residents, hold contractors accountable, and restore public confidence in renovation practices across the city.