LIVE: Scene from Hong Kong as fire in high-rise buildings kills 13

[putnam6]

Theoretically, yes.

More like contain until the fire can be brought under control and extinguished. 

But if there is cladding on the outside or other materials being used. 

Let's hope it's not flammable or of a better flame-resistant caliber than the likes of Grenfell Tower in West London. 

Because contractors have been known to take certain liberties.

Especially so where the likes of low-cost housing in concerned.

Apparently, the fire has been linked to starting on the scaffolding.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c2emg1kj1klt
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grenfell_Tower_fire

It's wild how much it spread. Pretty sure they didn't have the safety specs the US had in the 80s, no multi-firewall protection, or basic sprinklers

[andy06shake]

It's wild how much it spread. Pretty sure they didn't have the safety specs the US had in the 80s, no multi-firewall protection, or basic sprinklers

For comparison, temperatures inside the Grenfell fire reached well over 1000°C.

Those sorts of extremes apparently allow the fire to leap from floor to floor.

Even with the likes of firewall protection.

Which, as you suggest, may have been a luxury in this instance.

Hopefully, they managed to get the majority of the poor sods out.

[putnam6]

For comparison, temperatures inside the Grenfell fire reached well over 1000°C.

Those sorts of extremes apparently allow the fire to leap from floor to floor.

Even with the likes of firewall protection.

Which, as you suggest, may have been a luxury in this instance.

Hopefully, they managed to get the majority of the poor sods out.

Yeah, but for it to supposedly start on the bamboo scaffolding outside and get inside and run so quickly, the building is huge 

https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-hig...3d9f228022

Hundreds of residents were evacuated as the fire spread across seven of the eight buildings in the complex. At least 29 others remained hospitalized. Bright flames and smoke shot out of windows as night fell.
 
Authorities said earlier that investigators would be looking into factors including whether material on the exterior walls of high-rise buildings met fire resistance standards, as the rapid spread of the fire was unusual. Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung said officers had found foam sheets that are highly flammable.
 
Officials said the fire started on the external scaffolding of one of the buildings, a 32-story tower, and later spread to inside the building and then to nearby buildings, likely aided by windy conditions.

 
John Lee, the city’s chief executive, said the government will prioritize the disaster but halt public efforts for the Dec. 7 elections for the Legislative Council. He didn’t say if the elections could be delayed but said decisions would come “a few days later.”
The fire at three of the buildings was “coming under control” shortly past midnight, according to the Fire Services Department.
The housing complex consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000 apartments housing about 4,800 residents, including many elderly people. It was built in the 1980s and had recently been undergoing a major renovation.

 
 Firefighters work to extinguish a fire which broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong’s New Territories, Wednesday, Nov. 26 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei)
on Wednesday expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and extended sympathies to the families of the victims, according to state broadcaster CCTV. He also urged efforts to minimize casualties and losses.

[Sky727]

36 confirmed dead with over 200 missing. Anyone who knows about the Tofu construction methods by the communist Chinese will not find the spread of the fire and loss of life a surprise.

Back during the "0" COVID days the idiots had locked and barred people into apartments to keep them from roaming around the streets. There were high rise fires then with much loss of life.  

[Halfswede]

It appears they were using bamboo scaffolding.

Bamboo? Really Bamboo?

Well still no high rise skyscraper has collapsed due to fire in the history of the world.

https://www.tbsnews.net/world/hong-kongs...ng-1295691

bamboo scaffolding is pretty common all over Asia even on skyscrapers. It is extremely effective and strong, as well as very easy to install and customize. It is reasonably fire resistant unless you lit a dry bundle. I realize it sounds strange to western methods, but it is quite effective. There are a couple of varieties that are specifically used due to their very long and even growth pattern.

Bamboo scaffolding is not the reason this burned.

[chivo]

bamboo scaffolding is pretty common all over Asia even on skyscrapers. It is extremely effective and strong, as well as very easy to install and customize. It is reasonably fire resistant unless you lit a dry bundle. I realize it sounds strange to western methods, but it is quite effective. There are a couple of varieties that are specifically used due to their very long and even growth pattern.

Bamboo scaffolding is not the reason this burned.

You are biased. You love bamboo! You even have it in your avatar-image 

[andy06shake]

Some additional info and timeline.

RIP to those who perished.

[KTemplar]

How horrific and heartbreaking.  God Bless all the souls involved.

[BeyondKnowledge]

This is a video form a firefighter / emgineere channel, It covers this fire from a technical aspect for what is known now. 




Very sad. The loss of life will probably go up.

[Sky727]

Latest update 300 missing and 94 dead. 3 arrest have been made; all worked for the construction company.. If the Chinese start arresting construction personnel for corruption and shoddy construction practices what prison vacancies that exist will be depleted quickly as what they call Tofu construction is rampant in all sectors.