HONG KONG
PRICE: $1
ANNUAL
DEPARTMENTAL
REPORTS
1952-53
CHIEF OFFICER
FIRE BRIGADE
CONTENTS
FIRES AND OTHER OCCURRENCES
FALSE ALARMS
CAUSES OF FIRES
CASUALTIES
FIRE RISK
+
STAFF
APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT
P
+
FIRE BOATS
STATIONS
Paragraphs
1 5
-
6 7
-
8 11
■
12 - 14
15
16
-
17
18 19
-
20
21
22
-
24
29
HYDRANTS AND WATER SUPPLY
25
-
INSPECTION BRANCH AND FIRE PREVENTION 30 32
AMBULANCE SERVICE
p
33 - 34
AWARDS
+
COMPETITION DRILLS
TRAINING
AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE
RESCUE SQUAD
GENERAL
CONCLUSION
35
36
37
38 - 48
49
50
51
کیا 14
574 FIR
$3
1176
...
ENT LISGANI
!
1
I.
FIRES AND OTHER OCCURRENCES
The Brigade received and responded to 695 calls during
the year under review, as against 670 for the preceding year. These calls were of the following nature:
Fires
(a) House
190
(b) Electrical
118
(c) Chimney
60
(d) Cars etc.
21
(e) Oil
32
(f) Grass and undergrowth
60
(g) Rubbish
19
(h) Ship
14
(1) Aircraft
2
() Miscellaneous
61
577
False Alarms
With Good intent
23
+
Malicious
22
45
Special Service
Landslides, House Collapses
etc.
73
73
Total
695
Estimated Fire Loss:-$8,057,962.00
2. Brief details of the serious and fatal fires which
occurred during the year are appended:
14. 5. 52. Liu Chong Hing Savings Bank Godown. At about
18.39 hours on the 14th May, 1952, the Brigade was called to a fire which occurred at the Liu Chong Hing Savings Bank Godown at Queen's Road West, Hong Kong. On arrival at the scene, it was found that the fire had gained a firm hold on the upper floors and the situation prevailing at that time was extremely critical in view of the close proximity of the fire to the Gas Works and
1
L
I
27. 9. 52.
31. 12. 52.
to a cinema theatre. A water curtain was imme- diately provided to prevent the fire from spreading to the gas works and at the same time the fire inside the godown was attacked from every advantageous point of the surrounding buildings. Operations were hampered by a strong breeze, but in spite of this, the Brigade was successful in confining the fire to the godown. It was brought under control and finally extinguished by the use of 1 fire boat and 11 pumping appliances. There were no casualties.
Film Studio, Grampian Road. The Brigade was called to a fire at the Yout Q Film Studio at Grampian Road, Kowloon, at about 04.45 hours on the 27th September, 1952. The fire, which originated in the roof of the film studio and was caused by faulty electrical installations, severely damaged a row of one and two storey R.C.C. and corrugated iron buildings, together with 15 adjoin- ing squatter huts and their contents; the whole covering an area of about 375 × 150 feet. The charred remains of a Chinese male, presumed to have been trapped in the studio before the arrival of the Brigade, was recovered from the debris. Wing Hop Godown, West Point. The Brigade answered a call to the Wing Hop Godown at 7, Sai On Lane, Hong Kong at 16.28 hours on New Year's Eve, 1952. The 2 storey godown, covering an area of about 150 × 60 feet, was used for the storage of inflammable liquids, jute, essence, split bamboo, chinese drugs and general merchandize. A section of the godown and a portion of the contents were damaged by fire, heat and water. The roof was partly destroyed by fire and breakage by the Brigade. Information available after the fire indicated that inflammable liquids were being dis- charged into an open drain, and it is believed that inflammable vapour was ignited by a naked light
2
5
13. 3. 53.
3.
thrown down; the flash back igniting the cargoes in the godown through the drain channel. The Auxiliary Fire Service rendered valuable assist- ance in this operation.
Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon. A serious fire occurred at Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon, at about 03.01 hours on the 13th March, 1953, involving miscellaneous factories, marine stores and squatter huts. The fire was discovered by the Fireman on watch duty at Kowloon Fire Station who raised the alarm immediately. The early arrival of the Brigade prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining properties. This fire which covered an area of about 300 x 200 feet, was extinguished by 17 deliveries from 5 motor pumps, 1 trailer pump, 1 fire boat and 5 hydrants.
There were a number of serious fires involving squatter areas with heavy damage in all cases. Such fires are difficult to control in view of the materials used in the construction of the huts, which are mostly built of flimsy match wood. The risks are considerably increased by the existence in these areas of illegal stores of kerosene and inflammable liquids, used by the squatters for fuel and illumination,
4. The Brigade was called to deal with two aircraft crashes. In the more serious incident, a United States Army Air Force C-54 aircraft crashed on landing on No. 31 runway at Kai Tak Airport, and was completely destroyed by fire. It was most fortunate that all the 22 passengers and crew were saved, although 11 of them suffered injuries and had to be removed to hospital by ambulance.
5. The number of ship fires attended by the Brigade as listed in para. I includes all marine calls. Two of these occurred outside Hong Kong territorial waters, but assistance was rendered on the ships' arrival in port.
3
3
|
:
6.
FALSE ALARMS
Considering the total number of calls received, the incidence of false alarms was not high, and, as can be seen, slightly over 50% of these calls were given with good intentions.
7. Although valuable assistance was rendered by the Police, difficulties are still experienced in tracking down wrong doers who maliciously give false alarms.
CAUSES OF FIRES
8. Negligence or carelessness is still by far the most common cause of fires. The majority of the 190 house fires were attributable to the careless use of kerosene stoves which at one time became a popular means of cooking on account of the prevailing high price of wood fuel.
9. Faulty electric wiring was the cause of a large number of electrical fires.
10. The improper storage of cinematograph films and film scraps, which had been the cause of a number of fires in godowns and film stores, caused considerable concern. Action was taken by the Brigade to advise the owners of all approved film stores and all consignees of films to take every possible precaution to prevent the deterioration and decomposition of films. Periodical inspections were made by officers of the Brigade to ensure that films were being properly stored and that the instructions given were being correctly carried out.
11. There were two known cases of arson. The offenders were arrested and convicted.
CASUALTIES
12. The recorded death toll resulting from fires was 5, as against 11 for the year 1951-52. All occurred before the arrival of the Brigade. A total of 21 persons were rescued from burn- ing buildings by members of the Brigade. 63 persons were sufficiently seriously injured at fires to require treatment in hospital,
4
I
13. Special services were rendered by the Brigade at house collapses, landslides, drowning, leakage of dangerous gases etc. 33 lives (including 13 reported missing) were lost in incidents. of this nature and 32 persons were rescued by the Brigade. Details are as follows:-
Dead on
Reported Rescued by Recovery Missing the Brigade
Landslides
7
13
House collapses
1
Drowning
3
Miscellaneous
3
6
8
18 (6 died later)
14. No serious injuries were suffered by the Brigade personnel,
FIRE RISK
15. The fire risk in squatter areas in the Colony still gives anxiety to the Brigade, in spite of the careful arrangements and fire fighting plans in these areas which have been made. It is however hoped that the resettlement scheme now being carried out by Government will reduce the risk to its minimum by the provision of suitable fire-breaks, adequate water supplies and better construction of buildings. These facilities do not all exist in tolerated squatter areas at present.
STAFF
16. The Brigade has been carrying on for a considerable time with a shortage of expatriate Fire Officers, the two vacancies left open since last year having not as yet been filled. The high standards set for enrolment, which must be maintained even if the Brigade has to suffer temporarily, are the main cause of the difficulty encountered in filling these vacancies success- fully. Local recruitments continue to be satisfactory, and practically full strength was maintained.
17. The Brigade's strength was increased during the year by the addition of 2 Leading Firemen, 4 Fireman Drivers and 14 Firemen, to 460 officers and men.
5
APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT
18. All fire appliances and equipment were overhauled, tested regularly and maintained in efficient and good working order all the time by the mechanical staff of the Brigade.
19. An order for the supply of an "Onslow" Fire Appliance has been placed with Messrs. Dennis Brothers, Ltd., England. Delivery is expected by the middle of 1953. The engine is intended for use in the Peak district and other congested areas inaccessible to larger appliances because of the narrowness of the roads and the number of sharp bends.
FIRE BOATS
20. The new and powerful sea-going fire boat bearing the name of His Excellency the Governor, "Alexander Grantham", was launched by Lady Grantham on the 22nd December, 1952. The fire boat is now undergoing internal fitting and is expected to be in service in the very near future.
21. The three fire boats under the command of the Brigade were regularly slipped, overhauled and maintained by the Marine Department.
STATIONS
22. The new Tsun Wan Sub-Fire Station was completed and officially opened on the 30th April, 1952. This station is equipped with a trailer pump, a towing unit and ancilliary equipment and is manned by a staff consisting of 2 Leading Firemen, 2 Fireman Drivers and 6 Firemen.
23. The Brigade vacated the fire station at Nathan Road, Kowloon and occupied a new and modern station at the junction of Prince Edward and Tong Mi Roads on the 13th February, 1958. The old station, which was a requisitioned building, was returned to the owner through the Quartering Authority.
24. A proposal for the erection of a Sub-Fire Station in the North Point area has been put forward and provisionally approved. An ideal site on the reclamation area at King's
6
Road has been selected for the purpose. It is also intended to make use of this station as a training depot for the Auxiliary Fire Service, since the existing depot is small and unsuitable and will have to be vacated in the near future to make room for the building of the New Police Headquarters.
HYDRANTS AND WATER SUPPLY
25. Fire hydrants were inspected quarterly and all defects reported to the Water Authority for repair.
26. New installations and replacements brought the total number of pedestal and ground hydrants, at the end of the year, to 530 and 1145 respectively.
27. Restrictions on the supply of water are apparently likely to continue until the new reservoir is completed. Arrange- ments have been made with the Water Authority to provide turn- cocks for the operation of the water valves during the hours when water supply is restricted. Although this arrangement reduces the inconvenience to the Brigade to some extent, fire fighting operations are still considerably handicapped at such times.
28. The construction of the sea-water mains system is in its final stages. The necessary booster pumps, mains, hydrants and elevated water tanks have been installed and the whole system is expected to be in operation in the near future.
29. The 74 static water tanks which have been erected in convenient positions were regularly inspected and maintained in good condition by the Water Authority.
INSPECTION BRANCH AND FIRE PREVENTION
30. A total of 6,793 inspections of various types of premises were carried out by officers of the Inspection Branch of the Brigade during the year under review. These inspections, apart from routine inspections required under various Ordinances, include "good-will" inspections and the in- vestigation of complaints of illegal storage of dangerous goods, of obstruction of staircases, and fire escapes which have been prompted by the sense of communal safety of the general public.
7
¦
31. 101 prosecutions of offenders against the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, the Miscellaneous Licences (Timber Stores) Ordinance and the Celluloid & Cinematograph Film Ordinance were undertaken and convictions were obtained in all cases, with fines totalling $14,780.00. In some cases illegally stored dangerous goods were ordered to be confiscated in addition to fines being imposed.
32. Officers of the Inspection Branch continued their regular inspections of fire fighting installations in Government and private buildings. Repairs and improvements were recom- mended where necessary. All fire fighting equipment in Govern- ment buildings was maintained in good and serviceable condition and instruction was given in the use of this equipment in dealing with incipient fires. Staffs of hospitals and some Government departments were given fire drills and training in the actual use of fire hose, portable extinguishers etc., under the the supervision of officers of this Department. These drills were carried out once monthly.
AMBULANCE SERVICE
33. The services of the 7 ambulances operated by the Brigade for emergency and accident cases were required on 8,205 occasions. These heavy demands on the ambulance service were attributed to the increase in the population of the Colony and to the greater number of vehicles on the roads. The mileage covered by the 7 ambulances was 64,592 miles or 7.8 miles per call. A detailed summary of the calls received is shown in Annex III.
34. A Committee was appointed by His Excellency the Governor to consider the possibility of unifying the control of the existing Government ambulance services operated by the Medical and Fire Brigade Departments, and to advise on measures necessary to achieve this. After studying the problem the Committee recommended that the ambulance service be placed under the control of the Chief Officer, Fire
8
MARI
Brigade. The Committee's recommendations were accepted by Government and it is hoped that the unified ambulance service will be in operation by July, 1953, after minor technical problems have been settled.
AWARDS
35. The following officers and men of exemplary character completed 18 or more years of faithful and loyal service during the year and were awarded the Colonial Police and Fire Brigade Long Service Medal.
Sub Officer LAI Shiu Man
++
LAM So Man
Leading Fireman No. 7 TSE Choi Fireman No. 93 HUNG Hing
>>
››
A
}}
11
++
*
++
>>
No. 245 WONG Fook
No. 201 NG Yuen No. 208 CHEUNG Chi No. 112 LAM Fung Ting
No. 256 TAM Lok Sang
No. 77 FUNG To.
No. 95 NG Wah
No. 105 NG Tap
No. 106 CHEUNG Chuen
No. 198 CHAU Kwan
COMPETITION DRILLS
36. The annual competition drills for the year 1952 were keenly contested and the successful teams were as follows:-
(A) MOTOR ESCAPE DRILL--The Fire Insurance Associa-
tion of H.K. Challenge Shield.
(B)
(Time: 59
Winner: ---Sub Officer TSE Long Ching, Fn. Dr. No. 42,
Fn. Nos. 285, 147, 139, 149 and 89. seconds).
MOTOR PUMP DRILL THE Chinese
Association of H.K. Challenge Shield.
9
Insurance
Winner:-Sub Officer TSE Long Ching, Fn. Dr. No. 42, 354, Fn. Nos. 170, 285, 149 and 89. Time: 2 minutes 33 seconds).
(C) TRAILER PUMP DRILL-The H.K. Chinese Godowns
Association Challenge Cup.
Winner: Firemen Nos. 189, 62, 70 and 342. Time:
1 min. 193 seconds.)
TRAINING
37. The general training of Brigade personnel continued throughout the year. Initial training of recruits was under- taken by the Training School at Eastern Fire Station. The fire fighting staff of the civil airport under the control of the Civil Aviation Department were also trained by the Brigade in the use of various apparatus for combating aircraft fires.
AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE
38. The Auxiliary Fire Service continues to make steady progress in strength and training. A strength of 500 members were reached towards the end of 1952 but approval for the number to be increased to 793, the total approved strength of the Auxiliary Fire Service, was withheld until after 1st April, 1953 when further recruitment was authorized to enable the full strength figure to be reached during 1953/4. Applications held in abeyance until after 1st April, 1953 have arisen to 150 firemen and 40 officers. All have been medically examined and each day brings in more applications. If the present tempo of applications continues there is every hope that the full strength will be reached before the end of 1953.
39. Owing to the number of personnel at different stages of training, it has been found necessary to extend the number of training centres to include Central Fire Station and Eastern Fire Station in Hong Kong and Kowloon Fire Station in Kowloon, thus providing better facilities for "wet" drills, ladder drills, relay pump drills, and other activities requiring space and suitable conditions. To speed up training, 15 selected officers attended an Instructors Training Class held at Eastern
10
1
Fire Station, Wanchai, every Wednesday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The course began in October, 1952 and was completed in April, 1953. The officers were thoroughly trained in the fundamental drills of the Regular Fire Service, and, on passing the final examination, each will be detailed to assist in training recruits in the subject for which he has shown the greatest aptitude and knowledge. Special thanks must go to heads of Government Departments and private firms for their co-operation in allowing their employees time off from work to attend this course, and to attend on other occasions on which the personnel of the Auxiliary Fire Service have been parti- cularly requested to attend. This co-operative attitude has contributed in no small measure to the smooth running and general advancement of the Service. All ranks have received training in the new "Merryweather" Diesel appliances and "Victor" trailer pumps, and quite a high standard of efficiency has been reached in the use and operation of these appliances.
40. The Control Centres in Hong Kong and Kowloon have now been completed and put into operation. The Control Staff receive instruction, both theoretical and practical one night a week, and closer co-operation between Control and fire fighting personnel is being satisfactorily achieved.
41. The Auxiliary Fire Service participated in a large scale Civil Defence Exercise "LARKSPUR" in November, 1952 and many "mock fires" and other incidents were dealt with by crews decentralized throughout the Island and Mainland, with satisfactory results. During the exercise His Excellency the Governor paid a visit to the Hong Kong Control Centre and saw the staff in action. His Excellency also visited the scene of several mock incidents and fires.
42. During the year under review the Auxiliary Fire Service were mobilized to assist in fire fighting operations at eight large fires, viz.
Yout Q Film Studio, Grampian Road, Kowloon 27. 9. 52. Kowloon Tong Village Squatter
Shek Kip Mei Village Squatter Sai On Lane, Hong Kong
11
29. 10. 52.
28. 11. 52, 31. 12. 52.
Ho Man Tin New Village Squatter Kowloon Tong Village Squatter Tung Tau Village, Kowloon City Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon
+
13.
1. 63.
26. 1, 53.
24. 2. 53.
13. 3. 53.
43. In addition to the valuable assistance rendered in actually fighting the fire, the Auxiliary Fire Service provided the much needed relief crews to cool down the damaged areas and allow some of the regular firemen to get back to the Fire Station to have a short rest, some food and change of clothing.
44. The Annual Competition Drill finals for Heavy and Light Trailer Pump Units were held at Central Fire Station, Hong Kong, with the following results:
(A) TRAILER PUMP (HEAVY UNIT) DRILL-The Hon.
T. N. Chau Challenge Shield.
Winner:-H.K. Div. "A"-Station Officer LEUNG Lai Sang,
Fn. Nos. 502, 557, 599, 619 and 620. (Time: 2 minutes, 16 seconds.)
(B) TRAILER PUMP (LIGHT UNIT) DRILL-The Philip
Gockchin Challenge Shield.
Winner:-H.K. Div. "A"-Station Officer LEUNG Lai Sang, Fn. Nos. 599, 619 and 620. (Time: 1 minute, 40 seconds.)
45. Trophies and prizes were kindly presented by the Hon. C. E. Terry, Commissioner, Civil Aid Services. Individual prizes were generously donated by the Auxiliary Fire Service Welfare & Recreation Club and the senior Officers of the Service.
46. The founding of an Auxiliary Fire Service Brass Band this year created great interest, and a group of well known local musicians were enrolled to bolster the existing members. After a few months of hard work and constant practice the Band is now showing great promise, having performed at several official Fire Brigade functions and also for the Boy Scouts Association Charity Bazaars etc. All instruments have so far been purchased by the bandsmen themselves. A Dance Orchestra section has also been formed out of the Band, to perform at Auxiliary Fire Service functions.
12
A***
MARINE DEPARTME
47. In the field of sport the Auxiliary Fire Service Football Team finished in the 3rd position of the Hong Kong Football Association League Division 3. A very successful debut into football circles indeed.
48. The assistance given by Radio Hong Kong and Messrs. Rediffusion (H.K.) Ltd. in broadcasting mobilization orders to members of the Auxiliary Fire Service when their presence was required at large fires is gratefully acknowledged.
RESCUE SQUAD
49. During the year the Rescue Squad, formerly a branch of the Auxiliary Fire Service, was officially transferred from the command of the Chief Officer, Fire Brigade, to the command of the Commissioner, Civil Aid Services.
GENERAL
50. I append hereto the following-
I. Graph showing number of fire calls attended and
estimated monetary losses by fires.
II. Summary of existing Fire Stations and Plant. III. Summary of Ambulance Calls attended. IV. Summary of Monthly Inspections.
CONCLUSION
51. In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge my appreciation of the assistance and co-operation rendered to the Brigade by other Departments and for the loyal support of all members of the staff of the Fire Brigade and Auxiliary Fire Service.
13
W. J. GORMAN,
A.M.I. Fire E.
Chief Officer, Fire Brigade.
Thousand Dollars
7,000
6,000
900
ANNEX f
FIRE BRIGADE DEPARTHENS, HONG KONG,
Number of Fire Celle attended
and Estimated lopetar
Losada
by Pire from 1st April, 1952 to 31st March. 1955.
REP. NO. 9.212/260.
+
*
Calls attended Monetary losses =
800
700
600
Calls
160
140
120
500
300
80
400
300
200
100
APR MAY JUN JUL AUG
SEP
OOT NOV DEC JAN FED MAR
14
60
40
20
15
*
STATION
HONG KONG
Central Eastern
-----
Western
Shaukiwan......
Aberdeen
King Shan Wharf....
A.F.S. Training Depot.
KOWLOON & NEW
TERRITORIES:--
ANNEX III
FIRE STATIONS AND PLANT AT 31st MARCH, 1953
PLANT
HONG KONG FIRE BRIGADE
AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE
Motor
Motor Escapes Turntable Pump (with Ladders
Emergen-
cy Tenders
Trailer Pumps Boat
Fire
Aubu-
lances
Motor Trailer Pumps Pumps
DO LO
pump)
→ | | | |
|
1
1
दभ
2
NG ||
2
N H
3
Kowloon
Terminus
Public Square St. Pier.
1
1
1
1
812
Un Long
Tai Po
Cheung Chan...
2
1
2
1
1
I
Tai O
1
Sai Kung
1
Sheung Shui
I
Tsun Wan
1
TOTAL
6
16
3
3
29
3
7
4
20
ANNEX III
SUMMARY OF AMBULANCE CALLS
Month
No. of Calls
No. of Patients
Miles Run
April,
May,
1952...
539
554
4,185
71.1
757
*
5,744
June,
691
732
ラウ
5,423
July,
707
781
呼申
5,335
August,
September,
.
749
786
6,025
726
763
5,619
October,
661
674
**
5,166
November,
646
668
**
4,889
December,
684
691
ウラ
5,495
January,
1953....
735
744
5,964
February.
674
685
·
5,292
March,
682
680
5,455
TOTAL
8,205
8.515
64,592
!
:
April, 1952- March, 1953
8,205
8,515
6-4,592
April, 1951- March, 1952
6,528
6,713
50,394
INCREASE :
1,677
1,802
14,198
16
17
ANNEX IV
MONTHLY SUMMARY OF INSPECTIONS
April, 1952
May, 1952
June, 1952
July, 1952
August, 1952
September, 1952
October 1952
November 1952
Garages
Cinemas & Theatres
5
2
4
*
5
11
18
9
7
7
11
Boarding Houses
1
1
10
2
Factories & Workshops...
30
25
21
22
29
36
རག །བ
5
4
2
4
2
2
48
14
20
46
35
28
44
244
1
17
22
39
32
22
31
335
Eating Houses &
Restaurants
7
2
4
6
11
4
10
4
2
9
7
5
71
Timber Yards & Storages..
23
21
37
34
25
219
Buildings...
10
6
I
4
4
High & Low Flash Inflam-
mable Liquids.
312
206
96
81
75
Petrol Pumps.
19
16
34
61
22
Kerosene Stored in Shops...
110
14
50
101
18
Dangerous Goods in General!
237
178
124
195
111
100
Offensive Trades....
2
Fireworks Storages
Vernacular Schools
20
14
15
20
20
Dancing Halls & Academies
1
15
16
Fire Service Installations
21
18
28
45
30
Printing Presses....
15
11
11
17
9
གླ༤ ལྕགླཎྜ||: ཀ ཤྩ ཤཿ
240
84
85
28
26
20
842
6
5
4
1
43
65
60
21
35
49
105
205
1,310
6
4
2
8
7
13
192
29
4
11
1
19
97
115
569
65
60
49
70
103
166
1,458
1
I
1
2
1
Ι
1
5
37
23
21
2
3
38
45
67
3
9
Miscellaneous
72
57
62
110
70
72
54
47
SESTE
13
20
21
26
250
7
6
1
62
60
80
15
61
508
14
11
8
12
128
42
33
53
705
TOTAL
900
577
498
730
454
655
563
377
384
417
482
756
6,793
December, 1952
January, 1953
February, 1953
March, 1953
TOTAL