消防局年報 HONG KONG FIRE BRIGADE Annaul Report 1958-1959

HONG KONG

ANNUAL DEPARTMENTAL REPORT

BY THE

CHIEF OFFICER, FIRE BRIGADE

FOR THE

FINANCIAL YEAR 1958 - 59

PRINTED ANd Published BY W. F. C. JENNER, GOVERNMENT PRINTER

AT THE GOVERNMENT PRESS. JAVA ROAD, HONG KONG

EXCHANGE RATES

When dollars are quoted in this Report, they are, unless otherwise stated, Hong Kong dollars. The official rate for conversion to pound sterling is HK$16=£1 (HK$1=1ls. 3d.). The official rate for conversion to U.S. dollars is HK$5.714=US$1 (based on £1=US$2.80).

CONTENTS

Paragraphs

INTRODUCTION

FIRE AND OTHER OCCURRENCES

SPECIAL SERVICES

FALSE ALARMS

CAUSES OF FIRES

CASUALTIES

STAFF

APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT.

FIRE BOATS

HYDRANTS AND WATER SUPPLY

INSPECTION BRANCH AND FIRE PREVENTION

AMBULANCE SERVICE

1 - 3

4 - 6

10 - 11

- 10

12 - 17

18 21

24 - 29

30 - 31

TRAINING

WELFARE

AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE

GENERAL

APPENDICES

CONCLUSION

35 - 39

39 - 45

46 - 58

59 - 60

英納格表

Fire at No,400,Shanghai Street, Kowloon, on 30.10.58.

INTRODUCTION

Tis report outlines the work of the Fire Brigade during the year 1958/59. The main function of the department is to carry out the provi- sions of the Fire Brigade Ordinance, No. 32 of 1954, insofar as they relate to the protection of life and property in cases of fire and other disasters.

2. In the history of Hong Kong fire fighting and fire prevention is not a new problem; and in pre-war years, when the majority of the Colony's houses and buildings were wooden structures, fire prevention was already an important concern. But difficult as the problem was thought to be then, it has greatly increased in difficulty in post-war years. The springing up of skyscrapers, multi-storey tenement buildings, factories and squatter areas have both directly and indirectly increased the importance of fire-prevention. The growth of satellite towns in the New Territories and in outlying districts, and the development of the urban areas has demanded the expansion of the department to meet ever increasing responsibilities. To meet this increasing demand, the following new fire stations have been opened in recent years:

Tsuen Wan Fire Station

Yuen Long Fire Station Sheung Shui Fire Station

Tai Po Fire Station

Sha Tin Fire Station

Sai Kung Fire Station

North Point Fire Station

Ma Tau Chung Fire Station

3. The following new fire stations are also at present being planned :

Tuen Mun San Hui Fire Station

Cheung Chau Fire Station

Peng Chau Fire Station

Aberdeen Fire Station

Cheung Sha Wan Fire Station

Kwun Tong Fire Station

Tai O Fire Station

FIRE AND OTHER OCCURRENCES

4. A total of 1,367 calls were received and responded to by the Fire Brigade during the year under review, as against 1,149 for the preceding year. These calls were as follows:

Fires:

Houses ...

Chimneys

Electrical

Cars, etc.

Grass & Shrubbery

Ships

Aircraft

Squatter fires

Miscellaneous ..

False Alarms:

...

214

228

1 33

511

1.132

With good intent

Malicious

Special Services:

Landslides, House Collapses, drowning, etc.

Total

100

135

1,367

The estimated monetary loss by fires was $8,106,646.84.

5. The number of serious fires has not been as great as in previous years. I append below brief details of the more notable fires:

22nd April, 1958-SQUATTER FIRE AT KAI TAK NEW VILLAGE

KOWLOON

A fire broke out at 02.22 hours at Kai Tak New Village, Kowloon. The fire, which was a small one, unfortunately resulted in 3 Chinese Children and 2 adults losing their lives. 3 fire appliances, 3 ambulances and 4 other vehicles responded to the call. On the arrival at the scene of the first fire appliance, the officer in charge found the area burning fiercely and only the wooden frames of the huts were still standing. The walls and roofs of the burning huts had been completely destroyed by the fire and had collapsed inwards. The casualties all occurred before the arrival of the first fire appliance. The area of the fire involved only 9 huts, as the fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished in approximately 40 minutes. The hut in which the fire originated was also the one in which the casualties occurred. It had been divided into cubicles to accommodate four families

and was used as a rice shop and a small cafe (presumably un- licensed). A kerosene lamp was used for illumination in the cubicles and it is probable that the kerosene lamp was knocked over and fell into a capless 4-gallon drum of kerosene which was found at the rear of the cubicle.

23rd June, 1958-EXPLOSION AND FIRE AT KOWLOON HILL QUARRY

DUMBARTON ROAD

An explosion and fire occurred in the Kowloon Hill Quarry, Dumbarton Road, just before 21.40 hours. Immediately the call was received, 4 fire appliances and 2 ambulances were despatched to the scene. On arrival at the scene of the quarry, which is situated on a hillside approximately 100 yards west of the Pui To School and other buildings, the Fire Brigade found four wooden huts burning fiercely and a large quantity of debris consisting of broken glass, metal sheets, steel bars, distorted oil drums, etc. scattered over a wide area. The employees of the quarry informed the Fire Brigade that a quantity of dynamite and several hundred detonators had been stored in one of the burning huts. Safety precautions were taken immediately in case some of the dynamite still remained in the fire area. The fire, which did not cover a large area, was surrounded by fire jets from a safe distance and quickly brought under control and extinguished. From information received it was stated that 50 lbs. of dynamite and 150 detonators had been stored without authority in a wooden hut which was used as a store for implements and cement. The fire originated in an adjoining hut, spread rapidly to kerosene drums near the huts, and eventually set alight the hut containing the detonators and dynamite, thus causing the explosion. This dynamite and the detonators had been drawn from a store in the quarry at 17.30 hours for use on the following morning. The fire damage was confined to five wooden huts used as store rooms, quarters and offices. 3 people who were injured by the explosion were removed to Kowloon Hospital by Fire Brigade ambulances.

29th July, 1958- FIRE AT THE PREMISES OF THE HONG KONG and

KOWLOON WHARF AND GODOWN CO. LTD.

A call was received at 09.57 hours on 29th July, 1958, to a fire in the No. 38 godown of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co., Ferry Street, Kowloon. Three appli- ances, a Tender, two Fire Vans, a Trailer Pump, an Ambulance,

the Fire Boat 'Alexander Grantham' and Fire Boat No. 2 were despatched to the scene. As the godown was filled with dense smoke fumes, fire fighting operations were extremely difficult and oxygen breathing apparatus had to be worn by firemen to fight the fire from inside the building. Four hose lines were used to keep the roof cool and to protect it from cracking in the intense heat generated inside the godown. Two additional hose lines were used to protect the contents of the adjacent godowns, and two were used to supply the water tower as an additional roof protection. One hose line was also utilized to damp down the smouldering bales which were removed from the godown on to open ground. A number of hose lines were also used to fight the fire inside the affected godown. Several hundred bales of cotton were severely damaged by fire, smoke and water; the godown walls, roof, ceiling and pillars were damaged by the fire and heat. The fire was brought under control at 11.46 hours. 7th August, 1958-Fire at No. 27, SHUN NING ROAD

At 14.11 hours on 7th August, 1958, a call was received to a fire at Cheong Kong Electro-plating Works at No. 27, Shun Ning Road, Kowloon. The fire was caused by a spark from a defective electrical circuit igniting buffing pads. Due to the presence of cyanide and other chemicals and to the heavy smoke from smouldering buffing pads which filled the basement, fire-fighting inside the premises was difficult and dangerous. All Fire Brigade personnel working on the premises had to wear breathing ap- paratus and all adjacent premises were evacuated by the Police. The fire was extinguished by 6 deliveries from 2 motor pumps at 2 hydrants at 15.58 hours. Large amounts of rags, packing cases and polishes were severely damaged by fire and the base- ment was superficially damaged by fire and water. There were no casualties.

26th October, 1958-MODEL VILLAGE, KOWLOON TONG

At 17.02 hours a call was received to a fire at Model Village, Kowloon Tong. Five Fire Appliances, a Tender, a Land Rover, three Vans, a Hose Lorry, the Canteen Van, and two ambulances were despatched. Eleven fire jets from 5 motor pumps off fire hydrants were used to fight the fire and brought it under control at 18.16 hours. The fire was presumed to have been caused by embers from a chatty which ignited bedding. Approximately 250 wooden structures used as dwellings, pigsties and workshops and

covering an area of about 400 ft. by 150 ft. were severely damaged by fire and five persons suffered slight injuries. 21st October, 1958-FIRE AT HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WHARF

AND GODOWN Co. LTD. Premises

A fire call was received at 09.33 hours on 21st October, 1958, to a fire in No. 38C Godown of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co. Ltd. Ferry Street, Kowloon. Six appli- ances with the Fire Boat Alexander Grantham' and No. 2 Fire Boat were despatched to the scene. 13 hose deliveries from the fire appliances and Fire Boats were used to bring this fire under control and extinguish it. In the early stages of the fire, the Fire Brigade found it extremely difficult to gain access to the seat of the fire; they were continuously driven back by the heat and dense smoke which originated from the bales of the cotton involved in the fire. After cooling down operations, access was eventually gained by firemen using breathing apparatus, but their operations were limited by the extreme heat persisting in the godown which at times became unbearable. After a strenuous battle with fire jets, forward positions were eventually gained and the seat of the fire located. Approximately 7,000 bales of raw cotton were severely damaged by fire, smoke and water, and the godown walls, roof and internal pillars were damaged by the fire and the extreme heat that was generated inside the godown. The remainder of the contents of the godown was also more or less damaged by smoke and water. The fire was eventually brought under control at 12.09 hours.

30th October, 1958---No. 400, SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON

A call was received at 17.55 hours on 30th October, 1958 to a fire at No. 400, Shanghai Street, which is a 4-storey tenement house, with brick walls, timber floors, tiles on fir poles and joists, pitched roof and timber staircases. The fire was caused by the ignition of petrol and rubber solution by flame from a kerosene stove on the ground floor. On the arrival of the first fire appli- ance, 3 buildings were already involved in a very serious fire and the flames were spreading rapidly to the adjoining tenements. Although Shanghai Street is 40 feet wide, the flames had jumped the road and ignited the front of the tenements directly opposite. The fire was fanned by a strong north-easterly wind, and flames shot high into the sky. Due to the rapid spread of the fire the adjoining tenements were also involved at an early stage and the

roofs and floors of these buildings collapsed. The floors were supported only by wooden poles and when these had burnt through the floors collapsed one after another. In a short space of time the fire, which was an extremely fierce one, spread to other tenement houses and five people were trapped on upper floors. Thanks to quick work by firemen they were all rescued and taken to hospital where only six were detained. The ground floors of all the buildings were used as business premises and the flats above were occupied by a very large number of families, the majority being hawkers. As the rapid spread of the fire in its early stages was extremely serious the Auxiliary Fire Service detachment in Kowloon was mobilized. The fire, which was a particularly dangerous one, was extinguished at 07.08 p.m.

15th November, 1958-No. 128, MONG Kok Road, KowLOON

A call was received at 01.58 hours on 15th November, 1958, to a fire at No. 128, Mong Kok Road, a 2-storey brick and timber structure with a tiled roof. Sparks from an electrical short circuit had ignited the kapok used for upholstering furniture. The first floor and a quantity of blackwood furniture were severely damaged by fire and the ground floor and its contents by water. The fire was brought under control at 02.02 hours without casualty.

17th November, 1958-Nos. 141-143, SHANGHAI Street, Kowloon

At 06.59 hours a call was received at Kowloon Fire Station from Police Radio Control to a fire at this address. Five fire appliances with No. 2 Fire Boat were in attendance. On the arrival of the Fire Brigade this fire had gained a firm hold on the flimsy building and had spread to the full depth of the premises, i.e. from Shanghai Street to the rear scavenging lane. A number of people were trapped in the building and could not escape owing to iron bars being fitted across the windows. Acetylene cutting sets were immediately brought into use by the firemen, the iron bars were cut and the five persons were rescued by firemen and removed to hospital. No deaths occurred among the rescued persons.

7th December, 1958-No. 100, BEDFORD ROAD, KOWLOON

At 12.16 hours on 7th December, 1958, a fire occurred at No. 100, Bedford Road, a 4-storey building housing a number of garment factories. The fire originated in a button factory on the

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first floor and when the front and rear exit doors were opened spread to the first floor of No. 102 and quickly rendered both front and rear staircases impassable due to the intense heat and smoke. Seven deliveries from 4 fire appliances and 4 fire hydrants were used and the fire was brought under control at 12.18 hours. Stock and machinery for the manufacture of buttons were severely damaged by fire, 3 other factories and their contents on the second and third floors were slightly damaged by fire and water, and the contents of the mezzanine floor were damaged by water. Seven occupants of the building were rescued by the Fire Brigade with fire escapes, and 4 women escaped by means of a ladder from the window sill on the 4th floor to the adjacent tenement.

15th December, 1958- No. 288, TUNG CHAU Street, Kowloon

A call was received at 05.48 hours on 15th December, 1958, to a fire at No. 288, Tung Chau Street, a 5-storey building con- taining weaving and knitting factories and a cotton store. The fire was caused by sparks from the electric motor of a weaving machine igniting the cotton. Seven fire appliances responded to the call with 2 ambulances. On arrival at the fire the Fire Brigade found the ground and mezzanine floor on fire and the building full of smoke. Six jets were immediately brought into operation to assist in rescue operations and to confine the fire to its original area. This operation was successful and the fire finally extin- guished at 06.40 hours. Seven work people who had been cut off by the fire and could not make their escape from the building were rescued by firemen with the Brigade's fire escapes. The remainder of the staff were marshalled down a staircase by the Fire Brigade. It is gratifying that in this serious fire the Fire Brigade were able to rescue all those who were cut off by the firc. 2nd March, 1959-BoundARY STREET

At 07.15 hours on 2nd March, 1959 a call was received to a fire on Crown Land behind the market at Boundary Street, where single and two-storey wood, sheet-metal and stone huts had been built and were used as workshops and dwellings. The fire was caused by sparks from an electrical short circuit which ignited timber and paper in the cockloft of Hut No. 6, and spread to adjoining premises. Three Pump/escapes, three Pumps, an Emergency Tender, a Turntable Ladder, two Hose Lorries, two Trailer Pumps and three Ambulances were in attendance. The

fire was under control by 07.52 hours. Eleven huts were involved; two firemen were slightly injured in the fire-fighting when a wall collapsed.

4th March, 1959-SQUATTER AREA IN SUN WAI VILLAGE AND CHIU CHIU WO VILLAGE (WING HONG STREET), CASTLE

PEAK ROAD, KOWLOON

A call was received at 09.27 hours on 4th March, 1959 to a fire in this area, where 11 single and two-storey wood, brick, stone and sheet metal structures, were severely damaged by fire. One Pump/escape, two Pumps, an Emergency Tender, a Hose Lorry, a Radio Van, a Land Rover, a Trailer Pump and two Ambulances were in attendance. The fire was brought under control at 09.50 hours. Two persons were slightly injured and removed to hospital by ambulance.

11th March, 1959-SQUATTER AREA FIRE IN SHEK KIP MEI

A call was received at 04.46 hours on 11th March, 1959 to a fire in a squatter area at Shek Kip Mei. Three Pumps, two Pump/escapes, a Hose Lorry, an Emergency Tender, and a Van were in attendance. On the arrival of the Brigade at the scene, the fire was found to be well established in the valley some 2,500 feet from the nearest made-up road which appliances could use. Flames were leaping high into the air and were being driven by a moderate wind in a north-westerly direction. At both the north- west and the south-east sides of the fire, the flames had a distinct blue and orange colouring consistent with the combustion of volatile liquids of a petroleum origin. The fire which was spread- ing across the whole floor or the valley was surrounded as a first step and then extinguished.

Investigations by Fire and Police Officers revealed that the fire originated in a two-storey wood and stone building occupied by a drug addict (believed to have been killed), and there, is evidence that this building as well as many others in the area, was also used for minor industrial purposes. It is thought that a number of the persons who were killed had been asleep, and were overcome by asphyxiation before the fire reached them.

At approximately 08.05 hours while turning over debris to ensure that the fire had been extinguished the Fire Brigade found a badly burnt body and subsequently three others which were removed by the Police. Throughout the day firemen continued to

search the debris to find out if any other persons had been killed. This task was undertaken until all missing persons had been accounted for. The last body was found at about 11.20 a.m. on the same day; bringing the total number of deaths at this fire to 6, which would account for all missing persons. 33 stone, brick and wood structures of 1 and 2 storeys covering an area of 180 ft. x 75 ft. were severely damaged by the fire.

26th March, 1959-No. 3, LUEN FAT STREET, 2ND FLOOR, HONG Kong At 09.46 hours on 26th March, 1959 a call was received to a fire at this address, a 4-storey brick and concrete structure. The fire was supposed to have been caused by burning embers falling into waste paper from an unattended chatty in the rear cubicle of the second floor. A Pump/escape, three Pumps, a Turntable Ladder, an Emergency Tender, a Turncock Lorry, a Hose Lorry, Fire Boat No. 2, a Radio Van, two Ambulances and a Canteen Van were in attendance. On the arrival of the Fire Brigade, dense smoke and flames were belching out from the second floor verandah of the house. The escape ladder was pitched to the third floor to effect rescue from adjoining house No. 1; a total of 4 persons were rescued unhurt. The fire was brought under control at 10.17 hours.

6. Apart from the fires mentioned above, there were 33 other out- breaks of fire in squatter areas in the Colony. This represents a slight increase over the previous year.

SPECIAL SERVICES

7. The number of special service calls was smaller than in the previous year. Some of the more serious disasters which required the services of the Fire Brigade are mentioned below:

17th May, 1958----Collapse OF ALHAMBRA CINEMA Theatre

At 10.30 hours the Fire Brigade received an urgent call for assistance to the Alhambra Cinema Theatre, Nathan Road, Kowloon, where the reinforced concrete roof had collapsed during demolition. 3 fire appliances and 5 ambulances followed by 4 additional Fire Brigade appliances were despatched to carry out rescue operations. The main part of the cave-in missed the dress circle and crashed down on to the stage and the front auditorium; 20 demolition workers who were on the roof at the time were flung to the floor of the theatre. The number of work-

men working at the time of the collapse was 43 and an analysis of the casualties is as follows:

Dead before arrival of Fire Brigade

Dead before arrival at hospital

Died after admission

Admitted to Wards

Discharged (after treatment)

Rescued unhurt

Total Working Party

All the injured and dead were rescued from the debris by the Fire Brigade and removed in ambulances to Kowloon Hospital in the short space of 20 minutes.

13th July, 1958-LEAKAGE OF AMMONIA AT 6F, CATCHick Street

KENNEDY TOWN

At 22.20 hours on 13th July, 1958, a call was received to the Kenne Ice Factory at 6F, Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, where leaking ammonia gas had overcome two of the employees in the refrigerating plant room. A Fire Appliance, an Emergency Tender and two Ambulances responded to the call. With the aid of breathing apparatus, the firemen turned the control valves of the refrigerating plant off to stop the leakage of the ammonia gas; all the windows were opened and the exhaust fan turned on to extract the remaining gas. Two casualties were removed to Queen Mary Hospital.

FALSE ALARMS

8. There were 100 false alarms of which 35 only were given with good intent. In all cares attempts were made by the Police to apprehend those responsible for originating malicious false alarms.

CAUSES OF FIRES

9. Careless handling and negligent use of inflammable liquids were still by far the most common causes of fires. Indiscriminate discarding of cigarette ends and children playing with matches also caused a large number of house fires. Many fires were traced to the negligent use of electrical appliances and to unprotected and faulty wiring. Inferior makes of kerosene stoves and careless use of such stoves were also common causes of fires.

CASUALTIES

10. Details of casualties resulting from fires and other causes such as landslides or collapsed buildings and of the number of persons rescued by the Fire Brigade are as follows :

Died Injured

Rescued

Rescued but died after

Fires

184

Landslides, collapsed build- ings, drowning and other

causes

135

क

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II. No serious injuries were received by Fire Brigade personnel during the past year with the exception of two firemen who were injured in the fire at Boundary Street on 2nd March, 1959.

STAFF

12. The strength of the Brigade was increased by 2 officers and 39 other ranks. The approved establishment of the Department on 31st March, 1959, was 809 Officers and other ranks.

13. Mr. C. W. Brand, Deputy Chief Officer, retired on 25th June, 1958 and Mr. R. G. Cox, G.M., was transferred from Trinidad to fill this appointment. The latter arrived in the Colony on 28th July, 1958.

14. Eight vacancies for Station Officers from overseas were notified to the Crown Agents who endeavoured to recruit trained and ex- perienced candidates. The response to advertisements by the Crown Agents was poor and they were requested to readvertise. Three vacancies were held by Sub Officers acting as Station Officers who will be pro- moted substantively if proved to be suitable for the higher rank. Other local Sub Officers are either inexperienced by reason of short service or unsuitable for the responsibilities of Station Officers. To overcome this difficulty Government has approved a scheme under which selected local Sub Officers will be sent, two or three at a time, to the United Kingdom to undergo short courses in the Fire College and Fire Stations. It is hoped that in the sourse of the next several years sufficient trained Sub Officers will be available to be considered for promotion when vacancies for Station Officers exist.

15. Five Senior Firemen and one Senior Watchkeeper were pro- moted to the rank of Sub Officer during the year.

16. The vacancies for other ranks were filled by local recruits. Sixty five vacancies were filled by ex-employees of the Royal Naval Dock- yard and the War Department.

17. The staff increases were approved as part of the expansion of the Fire Brigade with its additional new fire stations and appliances.

APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT

18. All fire appliances and equipment are regularly tested, over- hauled and maintained in good working order by the mechanical staff of the Fire Brigade Workshops.

19. Two Emergency Tenders, three Escape/Pump Appliances, two Hose Lorries, two ambulances and one Austin A-50 Countryman were received and put into commission.

20. Two Foam Tenders have been ordered but delivery has been delayed by the manufacturers.

21. The radio telephone network, consisting of three fixed main ground stations, eighteen mobile units and ten pack sets, was in full operation. Five of these mobile units were ordered and received during the year. The system is of great advantage to the Fire Brigade when working at large fires where no other means of communication is available. During the year under review, the following work has been carried out by the Workshop Division:

Monthly service and inspection of fire appliances Mechanical-electrical repairs, new work

modifications

General joinery and coach building

Repair to hoses and general canvas work Repairs to footwear and general leather work

FIRE BOATS

•

1,056 items

and

588 items

192 items

2,470 items

843 items

22. The Brigade has a fleet of three fire boats, consisting of the 'Alexander Grantham' and two smaller vessels, with which it was possible to cope with fires that broke out on board ships in the harbour. The fire boats were also used for relaying water for fire fighting opera- tions on land as required during water restrictions. The boats are regularly slipped, overhauled and maintained by the Marine Department.

23. A new fire boat to replace No. 2 Fire Boat is being constructed and will be put in commission in the next financial year.

HYDRANTS AND WATER SUPPLY

24. Fire hydrants, both pedestal and ground, were inspected quar- terly and all defects reported to the Water Authority for repair.

25. At the end of the year, new installations and replacements had brought the total number of pedestal and ground hydrants to 863 and 1,226 respectively.

26. Salt water hydants proved to be extremely valuable in checking fires during water restriction hours. These hydrants which are inspected quarterly were maintained in good working order.

27. Throughout the year the Water Authority provided turncocks at Fire Stations to enable water valves to be operated during the hours of water restrictions.

28. Static water tanks are inspected regularly and maintained in good condition.

29. In view of the continued restriction of water supply, this depart- ment advises owners and occupiers of buildings which have private fire service installations fed by street mains to provide roof water- storage tanks. As the result of this encouragement and with the co- operation of the Public Works Department, many such tanks were erected. These tanks are supplied by well water and usually have a capacity of 2,000 gallons which ensures that water is always available for dealing with fires in the initial stage.

INSPECTION BRANCH AND FIRE PREVENTION

30. The Inspection Branch made 8,641 inspections of premises of various descriptions during the year under review. Apart from routine inspections under various ordinances, these inspections include good- will visits and the investigation of complaints of illegal storage of dangerous goods, or obstruction to staircases or fire escapes.

31. Prosecutions of offenders for infringements of the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, the Miscellaneous Licences (Timber Stores) Ordin- ance, and the Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Ordinance were undertaken on 155 occasions and convictions were registered in all cases with fines totalling $23,815.00. In many cases dangerous goods illegally stored were confiscated in addition to fines being imposed. A detailed summary of inspections is shown in Appendix II.

AMBULANCE SERVICE

32. The Brigade has a fleet of twenty ambulances, two of which were purchased during the year under review. These ambulances are operated from the following fire stations:

Hong Kong

Central Fire Station

Eastern Fire Station

Western Fire Station

Kowloon

New Territories

North Point Fire Station

Kowloon Fire Station

Terminus Fire Station

Ma Tau Chung Fire Station Tsuen Wan Fire Station Yuen Long Fire Station Tai Po Fire Station

33. Ambulances answered 18,401 emergency calls involving 19,536 patients and 23,531 made routine removals involving 29,690 patients. The total mileage for both services was 395,567 for the year. Charges are made for removals and the revenue collected amounted to $52,445.00.

34. Compared with the previous year, emergency calls registered an increase of 1,562 calls received and 1,448 patients removed, whilst removals showed an increase of 2,875 calls and 3,599 patients. A detailed summary of calls received and number of patients conveyed is shown in Appendix III.

TRAINING

35. Officers recruited to the following grades continued to receive training as follows:

Sub Officers

Firemen

Firemen /drivers Seamen

3 months 3 months 1 month 14 months

The purpose of training is to ensure that newly appointed officers become efficient in discharging their duties. The subjects include lectures in firemanship in addition to practical drills. Instructors for these courses are qualified Sub Officers and Station Officers. At the end of the course an examination is held by Divisional Officers consisting of practical and oral examinations. For Sub Officers a written examination is also given. Officers who fail to pass the examinations are given further periods of training. Repeated failure in examinations may result in the termination of the service of the recruit concerned.

36. Elementary English Classes are arranged each year for selected firemen. These classes are held at the Central and Kowloon Fire

Stations. The classes for 1958/59 are 4th and 5th year elementary English courses and the numbers of students are 23 and 28 respectively. The object of these classes is to raise the standard of English of serving firemen with a view to fitting them promotion to Sub Officers in due course. The classes are organized under the auspices of the Evening Institute and take place twice a week, each class lasting an hour and a half. Lecturers are provided by the Education Department.

37. Officers of the rank of Sub Officer and above are encouraged to study in their own time for the Diploma of the Institute of Fire Engineers. A course of lectures at the Technical College was arranged, commencing in September, 1958, to assist officers preparing for the examination. The course lasts for twenty weeks and comprises two lectures per week of two hours each held after office hours, the subjects being calculations, water problems, chemistry and physics. Lecturers' fees are paid by Government.

38. In addition to local training courses Government has also given approval for selected Sub Officers to undergo training in the United Kingdom. The duration of this course will be from five to six months and will include a short course on fire prevention in the Fire Service College and one to two months attachment to Fire Stations. This course is considered essential as the Sub Officers of this department are recruited and trained locally and gain their experience and knowledge as they work. This training system was satisfactory in the past but expansion of the department and frequent staff changes during the post- war years have resulted in a gap between the knowledge and experience of Station Officers and Sub Officers too great to be bridged by local training. It was therefore decided that some of the younger officers should be sent for training in the United Kingdom in batches of two or three.

WELFARE

39. The Fire Brigade Welfare Fund, whose receipts are derived principally from charges for services rendered to the public such as the attendance of firemen at matshed theatres, etc., was well maintained. Disbursements amounted to $4,670.90 (including depreciation on local investments $40.00) for various purposes connected with the welfare of the members of the Brigade, and the excess of income over expenditure was $15,030.90. $25,066.44 was brought forward from the previous year and the total sum deposited in the Treasury as at 31st March, 1959 was $40,097.34. The value of local investments was $13,120.00. A

statement of receipts and payments covering the transactions of the funds for the period 1st April, 1958 to 31st March, 1959, as audited by the Director of Audit, is shown in Appendix IV.

40. One of the Station Officers acts as departmental Welfare Officer and his duties are to give constant attention to the welfare activities of the Brigade.

41. The canteens established at Central Fire Station and Kowloon Fire Station were well patronized during the year. The mobile canteen attended at fires of a serious nature and provided light refreshments for the fire fighting personnel engaged. The refreshments consumed on such occasions are charged to the Fire Brigade Welfare Fund.

42. A Station Officer acts as Sports Officer of the Brigade. Friendly miniature football, basketball and volley ball matches were played between stations and with other Sports Clubs in the Colony, and members showed a great interest in these games.

43. The annual swimming gala of the Hong Kong Fire Brigade was held at the Chung Sing Bathing Pavilion, Kennedy Town, on 30th August, 1958. The programme consisted of eight events. The Kowloon Fire Station team annexed the championship trophy. At the conclusion of the gala, the Chief Officer presented prizes to the winners. The prizes were purchased from the Welfare Fund.

44.

　Members of the Brigade took part in launch picnics arranged by the Auxiliary Fire Service on the following dates:

28th June, 1958

13th September, 1958

Clear Water Bay Clear Water Bay

A launch was hired from the Hong Kong and Yaumati Ferry Co., Ltd. for these occasions.

45. Social evenings were arranged for the staff and their families on Christmas and New Year's Eve. The parties were well attended and included entertaining turns by a number of officers.

AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE

46. The Auxiliary Fire Service is raised under the terms of the Essential Service Corps (Auxiliary Fire Service) Regulations. At the end of March 1958, the strength was 567 men and women. Manning its own equipment and appliances, it is designed to assist the regular Fire Brigade in peace-time and emergency. As compared with the strength last year the figure 567 represents a decrease of 39 members.

The decrease was mainly due to the discharge of members who were, for occupational or other reasons, unable to continue as members of the Force. The following table shows the number of members recruited and discharged during the year under review.

Period

Ending 30. 6.58

Ending 30. 9.58

Ending 31.12.58

Ending 31. 3.59

Total ...

Enrolment

Discharge, etc.

Decrease

47. The authorized strength of the Force is 832 officers and men and in order to fill the vacancies as far as possible a recruiting drive commenced from January 1959. 45 candidates have been found medically fit for enrolment into the force and about 40 candidates are awaiting medical examination. A total of about 80 candidates will therefore be enrolled as soon as all medical examination results are known and recruiting training classes for Hong Kong and Kowloon Divisions will be opened for them.

48. After completion of training and passing the requisite exam- inations, recruits are posted to platoons for regular weekly platoon training. Qualified firemen may thereafter join the Officers Training Class. In addition to the driving test, firemen drivers must also undergo a Pump Operator's Course.

49. Regular weekly platoon training under the supervision of a regular Fire Brigade Officer at each station was carried out during the year under review at:

Kowloon

Hong Kong

A.F.S. Training Centre,

Kowloon Fire Station

North Point

Mo Shuk School,

Aberdeen

Stanley Kaifong Welfare

Association Playground.

New Territories

Cheung Chau

Sai Kung Sha Tin

Tai Po Sheung Shui

Yuen Long

Tsuen Wan

50. Passing-out examinations were held during the year with the following results:

Driving Classes-

13 members qualified to drive and operate pumps on Land Rover appliances.

12 members qualified to drive and operate the pump on Onslow appliances, and

6 members qualified to drive Ford lorries.

Pump Operator Course

14 members qualified to be Pump Operators (Merryweather Victor Trailer Pump).

Recruit Class----

Two Recruit Classes were held and candidates who successfully passed the examinations were distributed into platoons for further training.

51. In addition to the regular weekly platoon training classes and the driving instruction classes, training classes for Hong Kong and Kowloon Fire-ground Officers (Sub Officers and above) on advance training (Second Stage Training) commenced from 5th March, 1959 for a period of four months. Various senior regular Fire Brigade Officers were nominated to be instructors on various subjects. A diploma will be presented to cach A.F.S. Officer who completes the scheme showing the standard reached.

52. Qualified members were detailed to attend the Weekend Station Duty Training (duration of duty from 15.00 hours Saturday to 20.00 hours Sunday) at the A.F.S. Training Centre, North Point, Hong Kong. A total of 392 members attended the training during the year.

53. The Auxiliary Fire Service assisted the regular Fire Brigade in fire fighting operations at the following fires:

21st October, 1958

30th October, 1958

Kowloon Godown, Jordan Road Shanghai Street, Kowloon

54. Squads from the Auxiliary Fire Service were detailed to man the Tsuen Wan Police Station and the Tsuen Wan Fire Station with the Onslow Appliance for stand-by Duty on the following dates:

1st May, 1958

1st October, 1958

10th October, 1958

9 members at Tsuen Wan Police

Station

9 members at Tsuen Wan Fire Station

55. In addition to the annual exercise held on 4th January, 1959 the following exercises were held during the year to test the efficiency and turnout of both fire-ground and Control Centre personnel :

Date

25. 5.58

15. 6.58

29. 6.58

13. 7.58

27. 7.58

17. 8.58

31. 8.58

14. 9.58

28. 9.58 19.10.58

Division

Kowloon

Hong Kong Kowloon Hong Kong Kowloon Hong Kong Kowloon Hong Kong Kowloon

District

K-1

K-2

HK 1

K-3

HK-2 K 1 HK-3 K-2 HK-4

K--3

56. In the Annual Colony Civil Defence Exercise held on 4th January, 1959, all qualified officers and men were mobilized to take part in the A.F.S. full-day exercise.

57. The Auxiliary Fire Service Band gave the following public performances under the auspices of the Urban Services Department:

21. 4.58 4. 8.58 7.12.58

1. 1.59

8. 2.59

29. 3.59

K.G.V Memorial Park, Kowloon Botanic Garden, Hong Kong Macpherson Playground, Kowloon

Macpherson Playground, Kowloon Victoria Park, Hong Kong Victoria Park, Hong Kong

The following performance was also given:

25. 3.59

Gala Premiere "The Big Country'

in the Metropole Theatre

58. Apart from the regular activities, launch picnics were held by the A.F.S. Welfare and Recreation Club for members and their families on the following dates:

28. 6.58

13. 9.58

Clear Water Bay. Clear Water Bay.

59. Local Boy Scouts and Girls Guides Association showed a keen interest in the Fire Service. At their request, courses of lectures on firemanship and fire-fighting were given to Scouts and Guides periodi- cally at Central and Eastern Fire Stations. Each Course, consisting of a series of lectures, was well attended and the students were most attentive. On completion of the course, tests were held and the majority of the students passed satisfactorily.

60. Requests for permission to visit fire stations were also received from school and individuals and arrangements were made for the students to be shown around and words of 'safety' were preached. In cases where the numbers of students were great a Chinese Officer was sent to give brief talks on fire prevention, fire fighting and fire protection.

APPENDICES

61. I append the following:

II.

III.

A graph showing the number of fire calls attended and estimated monetary losses by fire.

A summary of monthly inspections.

A summary of Ambulance calls attended.

IV. The Balance Sheet of the Fire Brigade Welfare Fund: Receipts and Payments Account; Statement of Local Invest- ments; and Statement of Outstanding Loans.

V. A summary of existing Fire Stations and Plant.

CONCLUSION

62. In conclusion, I wish to acknowledge my appreciation of the assistance and co-operation rendered to the Fire Brigade by other Government Departments and of the loyal support of all members of the staff of the Fire Brigade and Auxiliary Fire Service.

6th April, 1959,

W. J. GORMAN, O.B.E., B.E.M., M.I.FIREE., A.F.I.C.D., Chief Officer, Fire Brigade.

$ '000

4,000

3,000

FIRE BRIGADE DEPARTMENT HONG KONG

Number of Fire Calls attend. ed and Estimated Monetary Losses by Fire from 18t

April, 1958 to 31st March, 1959.

2,000

Calls attended

Monetary losses =

1,000

300

250

200

150

100

APPENDIX I

Apr. May Jun July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar.

Calls

300

250

200

150

100

April

May

June

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF INSPECTIONS

1958

July

August

September

October

November

Garages

Cinemas and Theatres

Hotels and Boarding Houses...

Factories and Workshops

Eating Houses and

Restaurants

Timber Yards and Storages

Buildings

** | * ***

N039

4551

181

119

14 268

568

273

141

3283

526

808

High & Low Flash

Inflammable Liquids

Petrol Pumps...

Kerosene stored in shops

Dangerous Goods in general.....

Offensive Trade

Fireworks Storages

106

233 203

313

221

148

115! 184

183

177

156

1980

23 612

163

115 1,414

27 |1,112

Neon Signs

30 557

Miscellaneous

122

146

128

134

122

163

162

105

1,408

Schools

621

申中串

414

Dancing Halls and Academies..

191

Fire Service Installations

108

Printing Presses

147

TOTAL...

779

928 1,011

956

829

851

649

572

549

573

450

494 | 8,641

December

January

February

March

1959

TOTAL

APPENDIX II

•

SUMMARY OF AMBULANCE CALLS

APPENDIX III

No. of Calls

No. of Patients

Month

Emer-

gency

Removal Total

Emer-

gency

Miles run

Removal Total

1958

April

May

June

July

August

September

1,566 1,813 3,379

1,610

1,879 3,489

1,652 2,216 3,868

1,726

30,687

2,412 4,138

32,169

1,678

2,133 3,811

1,785 2,909 4,694

33,815

1,622 2,052 3,674

1,761

2,768

4,529

35,104

1,686

1,922 3,608

1,828

2,489

4,317

34,823

1,451 1,842

3,293

1,560

2,274

3,834

32,246

October

1,459 1,701

3,160 1,533

2,254

3,787

31,618

November

1,381

1,760

3,141 1,459

2,175

3,634

30,432

December

•

1,471

2,052

3,523

1,545

2,489

4,034

33,345

1959

January

February

March...

1,429 2,147 3,576 1,496

1,420 2,076 3,496 1,483

1,628 2,154 3,782 1,708

2.589 4,085 33,770

2,491 3,974 32,788

2,624 4,332 34,770

TOTAL

18,401

23,531 41,932 19,536

29,690

49,226 395,567

❤

Emergency Cases

Removal Cases

No. of Calls

No. of Patients

No. of

No. of Calls

Patients

April 1958 March 1959

18,401

19,536

23,531

29,690

April 1957 - March 1958

16,839

18,088

20.656

26,091

INCREASE...

1,562

1,448

2,875

3,599

223

LIABILITIES

Value of Fund as at 1st April, 1958

Add excess of receipts over payments

FIRE BRIGADE WELFARE FUND BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH, 1959

ASSETS

25,066.44

Cash deposited in Treasury

***

15,030.90

Local investment at cost

Less Accumulated Depreciation

$40,097.34

Outstanding Loans

APPENDIX IV

$14,596.40

1,476.40

R. G. Cox,

26,067.34

13,120.00

910.00

$40,097.34

Acting Chief Officer, Fire Brigade, 8.5.59.

The above Balance Sheet, with the accompanying Statements of Receipts and Payments, Local Investments, and Outstanding Loans, has been examined in accordance with Regulation 12 of the Fire Brigade (Welfare Fund) Regulations, 1954. I have obtained all the information and explanations that I have required, and I certify, as a result of this audit, that in my opinion the Accounts are correct.

AUDIT DEPARTMENT,

Hong Kong, 30th June, 1959,

W. H. WILLIAMS, Acting Director of Audit.

FIRE BRIGADE WELFARE FUND

APPENDIX IV-Contd.

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1959

PAYMENTS

RECEIPTS

Purchase of Sports Gear, etc.

3,030.76

Fines

185.70

Grants or assistance to Fire Brigade club, canteen

Firemen's services...

or recreation rooms

1.238.14

Less Refund

Other suitable purposes

362.90

...

Interest on local Investment

Less Tax...

$19,513.00 486.00

$560.00 70.00

19,027.00

490.00

Depreciation on local investment

40.00

Balance being excess of receipts over payments..

15,030.90

$19,702.70

R. G. Cox,

Acting Chief Officer, Fire Brigade.

8.5.59.

$19,702.70

APPENDIX IV-Contd.

FIRE BRIGADE WELFARE FUND

STATEMENT OF Local InvestMENTS AS AT 31st March, 1959

Stocks

Nominal value

Middle market price at 31.3.59

Market value

Book value

Apprecia. Deprecia-

tion

Hong Kong Govern-

ment 31% Rehabi-

litation Loan

1973/78

16,000 82.00

13,120.00

13,160.00

R. G. Cox,

Acting Chief Officer, Fire Brigade. 8.5.59.

FIRE BRIGADE WELFARE FUND

Statement of Outstanding Loans as at 31st March, 1959

Outstanding loans as at 1st April, 1958...

Loans made for period 1st April, 1958 to 31st March, 1959

Re-payment of loans for period 1st April, 1958 to 31st March, 1959

Outstanding loans as at 31st March, 1959

40.00

Nil

$1,130.00

220.00

R. G. Cox.

Acting Chief Officer, Fire Brigade. 8.5.59.

$910.00

HONG KONG:

Central

Eastern

Western

感

STATIONS AND PLANT AT 31ST MARCH, 1959

PLANT

HONG KONG FIRE BRIGADE

Motor Motor Escapes Pumps (with

pumps)

Turn- table Ladders

Rescue Trailer Fire Ambu- Hose Radio Canteen Tender Pumpe Boats lances Lorry Van Van

APPENDIX V

AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE

Land Motor Trailerį Motor Land Rover Pumps Pumps| Cycles | Rover

North Point

Aberdeen

King Shan Wharf

...

A.F.S. Training Centre

Fire Boat No. 3

Cheung Chau

Tai O...

KOWLOON AND NEW

TERRITORIES:

-- N

NNS

Kakarvitaan

1 1

Kowloon

Terminus

Tsuen Wan

Yuen Long

Sheung Shui..

Tai Po

Sha Tin

Sai Kung

Ma Tau Chung

San Hui

TOTAL

ང་