A government inquiry into the Wang Fuk Court fire has identified the use of non-fire-retardant safety nets and canvases as a key factor contributing to the rapid spread of the blaze. The fire, which occurred in November and resulted in 168 fatalities, intensified due to the materials used on the building’s exterior, according to testimony heard yesterday.

Richard Yuen Kwok-kit, a fire engineering expert appointed by the government and chair professor of architectural engineering at City University, explained that the fire spread vertically along the outside of the building, breaking windows of multiple residential units and allowing flames to penetrate the interior. He described the non-fire-rated safety nets and canvases as responsible for causing a “secondary ignition,” which accelerated the fire’s upward progression by feeding combustible materials and significantly increasing its intensity.

Yuen noted that the blaze reached the rooftop within three minutes in the presence of these non-fire-retardant materials. He suggested that had fire-compliant nets been used, the tragic outcome might have been averted or mitigated, as the fire would likely have spread at a slower pace.

The inquiry’s findings highlight concerns about the safety standards of temporary protective materials used in building maintenance or construction projects, particularly regarding their fire resistance. The case raises questions about regulatory oversight and enforcement, with experts emphasizing the importance of adhering to fire safety codes to prevent similar disasters in the future.

As the investigation continues, officials and industry stakeholders are expected to review current regulations surrounding fire-retardant materials and construction site safety measures to avoid recurrence of such deadly events.