Hong Kong's fire must spell end of bamboo scaffolding

Experts say that traditional materials helped the blaze spread through seven apartment blocks, killing at least 75. Pressure for safety changes is mounting

- Adam Withnall

It is hard to imagine a world city that would be more devastated by a highrise inferno like the one that struck Hong Kong on Wednesday, with the fire still yet to be brought under control. The images of Wang Fuk Court's residential blocks lit up like tinderboxes have been met with shock around the world, but have sent a particular chill through homes in the Asian financial powerhouse.

The fire strikes at the city's core: Hong Kong is its skyscrapers, from the giant office tower blocks in central that bring in its fortune to the residential developments that cover every inch of buildable land in this compact metropolis.

Everyone I know in Hong Kong lives in a highrise building - the soaring cost of rent makes it impossible to do otherwise, unless you base yourself on a remote island. This morning, they are looking out of their own 30th-floor windows, wondering - could my home be next? And how would I escape from up here if it were?

At least 75 people have died so far, and more are feared trapped.

This is the first fire in 17 years to be declared a top-tier level 5 emergency by Hong Kong's authorities, and it has triggered a massive emergency services response, drawing firefighters from all over the city. One of the first people confirmed killed was a firefighter, 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, who is being hailed as a “gallant” and “dedicated” public servant.