Hong Kong authorities say netting on buildings that caught fire, killing 151, did not meet code

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1. [AP reports:](https://uk.news.yahoo.com/donations-hong-kong-fire-victims-075627750.html) Hong Kong officials said Monday that their investigation into a deadly blaze that killed at least 151 has revealed netting that covered scaffolding used in renovations was not up to fire-safety codes, as a wave of public sympathy and support was met by government moves to stifle criticism.

2. Many news outlets are blaming the bamboo, which is false. All the pictures of the aftermath show that the bamboo was still still standing after the fire.

   * The netting was not fireproof as required by law. Costs about half of the fire retardant one.

   *(Interestingly, in the last 48 hours many building sites have removed their netting in HK likely due to using same illegal one and inspections coming soon with all this attention)*

   * They used polystyrene (very flammable) to board up residents windows.
   * Residents complained about workers smoking but were ignored.

3. Polystyrene is not just flammable, it also gives off harmful fumes when it burns.

4. >On Saturday, the Office for Safeguarding National Security blasted what it called “evil schemes” that had ”the ulterior motives of using the disaster to create trouble and disrupt Hong Kong.” It did not give specifics.

   It’s kind of crazy that **this** is what the government is focusing on…

5. Hong Kong is uhm…part of China – suddenly regulations are not met and people die.

   Who’s fault is it? I don’t know.

6. So, this is why some insurance companies require newer buildings be made with certain tested materials to be insured (or they may need to pay a higher premium/not be covered). The difference in materials is significant when it comes to limiting something like fire spread.

7. So the residents are right all along.

   The company uses unqualified netting that can easily caught fire and flying debris can spread it farther.

   They use styrofoam to seal people’s windows, they basically use a block of fuel to seal escape routes/only way to see outside.

   Survivors said they have to worried their windows will explode too when the styrofoam caught on fire .

   The company death trap hundreds of elderly and children, can you imagine if this happens at night or on weekends when everyone is home?

8. China has codes?

9. Easy to speak when the building is massive and no one conducted safety/audit checks prior to the incident. Government officials just sitting ducks.

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