Why Modern Megacity Hong Kong Still Uses Bamboo Scaffolding for Building

Hong Kong plans to phase out its long tradition of using bamboo scaffolding for construction projects, after the city’s deadliest residential fire in more than 60 years.

Investigators are still determining what caused the blaze at the high-rise Wang Fuk Court apartment complex on Nov. 26. As part of their efforts, they’re examining whether materials that were being used in the renovation of the towers, such as the lattice of bamboo wrapped in green plastic mesh, helped the flames spread.