Residents fear fire risk at Sha Tin estate covered with scaffolding and nets

Residents at Sui Wo Court in Sha Tin have expressed fire safety concerns as their estate remains covered with scaffolding and protective netting during renovation works, following yesterday's deadly five-alarm blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.

The nine-tower estate, undergoing a HK$388 million renovation since 2022, has all 36-story buildings wrapped in construction materials that residents worry could pose similar fire hazards.

Resident Mrs Cheung said the project originally planned phased construction but now covers all nine towers simultaneously, causing worker shortages and slow progress. She noted residents conducted tests showing the protective netting burns easily.

Mr Lam reported finding flammable materials stored in ground floor areas and stairwell fire escapes, creating particular concern for elderly and children's evacuation. "If a fire breaks out, seniors and children would struggle to escape," he said.

Mr Chan, paying HK$250,000 for two units' share of renovation costs, said he mainly hopes for early project completion to eliminate fire risks.

When contacted by Sing Tao Daily, the contractor stated scaffolding would be removed after project completion before hanging up.

Chief Executive John Lee has ordered inspections of all estates undergoing major renovations across Hong Kong to review scaffolding and building material safety following yesterday's fatal fire.