消防事務處年報 FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Annaul Report 1960-1961

HONG

ANNUAL

DEPARTMENTAL

REPORTS

KONG,

1960-61

PRICE: $2.50

DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES

HONG KONG

ANNUAL DEPARTMENTAL REPORT

BY THE

DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES

FOR THE

FINANCIAL YEAR 1960 - 61

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY S. YOUNG, 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 pounds sterling is HK$16=£1 (HK$1=1s. 3d.). The official rate for conversion to U.S. dollars is HK$5.714=US$1 (based on £1=US$2.80).

CONTENTS

Paragraphs

Fire and Other OCCURRENCES

1-2

SPECIAL SERVICES

FALSE ALARMS

13 - 16

17 22

CAUSES OF FIRES

CASUALTIES

STAFF

APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT.

FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WORKSHOPS

FIRE BOATS

HYDRANTS and Water Supply

INSPECTION BRANCH AND FIRE PREVENTION

AMBULANCE SERVICE

TRAINING

23 - 24

32 - 34

35 - 37

38 - 42

WELFARE

AUXILIARY Fire Service .

NEW FIRE STATIONS

APPENDICES

CONCLUSION

iii

•

58 - 59

FIRE AND OTHER OCCURRENCES

DURING the year under review a total of 1,812 calls were received and responded to by the Fire Services Department, as against 1,841 for the preceding year. Classifications of these calls were:

Fires:

Buildings. Chimneys

160

Electrical ...

308

Grass and shrubbery Motor vehicles

151

Ships

Squatter areas

Small fires

627

1,398

False Alarms:

With good intent

Malicious

120

Special Services:

Landslides, House Collapse, Drowning,

Floods, etc.

294

Total

1,812

The estimated monetary loss by fires was $4,268,830.15.

2. Brief details of the more notable fires are appended below: 7th April, 1960-Nos. 119-121, CONNAUGHT ROAD, WEST, HONG KONG

A serious fire broke out on the ground floor of 121, Connaught Road, West, Hong Kong, on 7th April, 1960 at 1619 hours. In a short space of time, numerous explosions in the building caused the fire to spread to the upper floors of adjacent buildings. Despite the rapidity with which the fire engulfed No. 121, largely due to the quantity of combustible material stored there, it was possible to prevent the ground floor of No. 123, Connaught Road, used as a kerosene and match store, catching fire.

After 2 hours the combined effect of seven fire appliances and one fire boat succeeded in bringing this fire under control. In the interval, six people had lost their lives and eight had been injured. Six others had been rescued by firemen.

In recognition of the bravery displayed in rescue operations by officers and men of the Department, the following awards were subsequently made by Her Majesty the Queen:

One George Medal, and

Two Colonial Police Medals for Gallantry.

11th April, 1960--Floating SQUATTER FIRE IN Tai Kok Tsui

At 1051 hours on 11th April, 1960 a call was received to a fire in the stilted squatter area in Cherry Street near Oak Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon. The fire fanned by a strong wind from the north west, spread to buildings ashore and more squatter huts and timber on the mud banks. To the north east of the praya the tremendous upsurge of hot air caused a fire storm, a vortex at ground level into which fresh air was sucked from across the surface of the open water, to develop. It was imperative to kill this cycle before it produced a fire, the control of which would have been beyond the resources of the equipment available. It was not until 1230 hours when 40 tons of water a minute pumped from fire boats and land appliances had been brought to bear at the vortex that this phenomenon was arrested, and the fire thereafter gradually extinguished.

During these operations 216 stilted wooden structures used as dwellings and timber stores, occupying an area of foreshore of about 400 by 300 feet were burnt down. In addition, 19 single and two storey brick and wooden factory type buildings occupy- ing an area of 300 by 100 feet were severely damaged by fire. Large areas adjoining the scene of the fire were also affected by sparks and burning embers carried by the strong wind.

This fire caused one death and 14 serious injuries. A number of firemen were also slightly injured at the scene.

20th August, 1960--Fire on BOARD S.S. HONG KONG FIR' at Taikoo

Dock

Fire Services Department was called to an outbreak of fire on board the S.S. 'Hong Kong Fir' which was berthed at Taikoo Dock Hong Kong at 0146 hours on 20th August, 1960. The fire started in the Engine Room and because of the oil fuel which was nearby, spread with remarkable rapidity. The first and most important task was to rescue the men trapped in the Engine Room. Because of flames, heat and smoke, it was impossible to rescue the trapped men immediately. Steps were therefore taken

to protect them while fire fighting operations reduced the fierce- ness of the fire. After 3 hours it was possible to enter the Engine Room Section and rescued 17 men, all of whom after treatment in hospital, recovered. Subsequently five bodies were discovered during investigations to ascertain the cause of the fire, which caused serious damage to the ship's Engine Room and super-

structure.

17th December, 1960--SQUATTER FIRE AT TAI HANG TUNG ROAD

At 0409 hours on 17th September, 1960, a fire broke out in a squatter hut in a densely populated valley off Tai Hang Tung Road, Kowloon Chai. A force of five appliances and two ambulances responded immediately to the call and on arrival found that the fire had spread rapidly to an area of 800 × 300 sq. ft., involving some 300 structures of brick and wood. Opera- tions began immediately and within one hour of the call, the fire was under control. During that period five injured people were rescued and sent to hospital. Later, dumping and turning over operations uncovered the bodies of four women at the scene of the outbreak where they had apparently been trapped. 5th November, 1960-FIRE AT HONG KONG & WHAMPOA DOCK,

KOWLOON

At 2245 hours on 5th November, 1960, a call was received to a fire at the above premises. Arriving at the scene, the officer in charge of the first turn out party discovered that the fire had gained a firm hold on a steel framed structure with corrugated iron sides and roof, covering an area of about 230 feet × 70 feet, used as a boat shed and carpenter's shop. A fourth alarm was sent back to the control, and additional fire appliances and ambulances were immediately despatched. Nine fire appliances and a fire boat with 10 hose deliveries brought the fire under control in 50 minutes.

16th January, 1961 -FIRE AT VALLEY ROAD SQUATTER AREA, HUNG

HOM, KOWLOON

A serious fire broke out in the squatter area at Valley Road, Hung Hom, in the early hours of 16th January, 1961. A call was received by the Fire Services Control at 0452 hours and the first turn out party arriving on the scene soon after discovered that the fire, fanned by a strong wind, had gained a firm hold and was spreading rapidly. Appliances from all Kowloon stations

were ordered to the scene; reinforcements were sent from Hong Kong and the Auxiliary Fire Services were mobilized. Part of this force prevented the fire from spreading to the Petrol Station and Kowloon-Canton Railway locomotive sheds nearby, while the remainder made a concentrated attack from the Chatham Road frontage. There, it had become imperative to maintain three appliances in order to minimize the effect of the fire on adjoining built-up areas. Because of the high wind and hilly terrain, fire fighting operations were both difficult and hazardous but after two hours the fire was brought under control. Four people lost their lives and 11 others were injured in this fire which destroyed, or severely damaged, over 1,000 squatter huts.

19th February, 1961-Fire at THE BUCKINGHAM RESTAURANT, NATHAN

ROAD, KOWLOON

A serious fire broke out in the Buckingham Restaurant, Nathan Road, Kowloon, on 19th February, 1961 at 0506 hours. Arriving at the scene, the first turn out party found flames shooting out from the fourth and fifth floor windows of the 13 storey building. A message was sent back to the Kowloon control for additional fire appliances from other stations in Kowloon and Hong Kong; there were immediately despatched to the scene. 12 hose deliveries and four monitors were quickly brought into operation to prevent the fire from spreading to the upper floors. The fire was finally brought under control at 0528 hours. Two firemen sustained slight injury during the operation. The contents of the Restaurant and the nightclub were severely damaged.

SPECIAL SERVICES

3. Some of the more serious disasters which required the services of the Department are mentioned below:

6th May, 1960-Floods in THE NEW TERRITORIES

On the 6th May, 1960 heavy rain caused widespread flooding in the New Territories. The Fire Services, co-operating with the Police and the Armed Forces, went to work with lines, life-boats and dinghies and rescued in all 57 people from flooded areas. around Yuen Long and Tai Po. 14 people lost their lives in these floods and serious damage was done to houses, crops and livestock.

9th June, 1960-TYPHOON 'MARY'

Between 1546 hours on 8th June and 2345 hours on 9th June, 1960, Typhoon 'Mary' caused flooding, land slides and house collapses in many parts of Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories. In Hong Kong 17 calls were received to landslides and house collapses and 38 calls to electrical fires. In Kowloon, 15 calls were received to house collapses and 23 calls to electrical fires. In the New Territories, one call was received to a landslide at Sha Tin and two calls to electrical fires.

By far the worst hit place in the Colony during the typhoon was the small island of Cheung Chau. There, the full force of the typhoon did widespread damage to fishing boats and houses. The foundation of the Fire Station situated near the sea-wall, was undermined and the building had to be evacuated. In this small island alone, casualties amounted to 18 dead and 9 missing, presumed drowned. Elsewhere in the Colony 32 people lost their lives.

In addition to the damage to the Cheung Chau Fire Station, the Department lost one small fire engine when the road at Fortress Hill, Hong Kong, subsided, taking both engine and crew into a hole 20 ft. deep. Fortunately, the crew were able to clamber to safety, but the engine with equipment was a total loss.

21st March, 1961--Capsize of the BUCKET DREDGER, YAU WING AT ABOUT 50 YDS. OFF-SHORE NEAR TIN CHIU STREET, North Point, HONG KONG

A call for assistance was received by the Fire Services Control at 0414 hours on 21st March, 1961 to go to the rescue of some crew members trapped in a capsized bucket dredger about 50 yards off-shore near Tin Chiu Street, North Point. Two fire boats and four fire appliances together with ambulances responded to the call. Four men had been rescued by workmen from a nearby barge before the arrival of the Fire Services, but four others were still trapped in the dredger. Fire Services frogmen went into action immediately. Holes were drilled in the bottom of the dredger and compressed air from one of the fire boats was pumped into the hull. Soon after, two of the workmen were released by cutting holes in the bottom of the dredger. With the assistance of the Marine Department, Royal Navy and the local dockyards, several attempts were made to rescue the remaining two men, but unfortunately these efforts were not successful

because, some time after the rescue of the first two men, the dredger suddenly sank. The bodies of the missing workmen were later recovered by the Marine Police near the waterfront, North Point.

FALSE ALARMS

4. There were 59 malicious alarms and 61 given with good intention. Action is always taken by the Police to apprehend those culprits who originate malicious false alarms.

CAUSES OF FIRES

5. The careless handling and negligent use of inflammable liquids were the most common causes of fires. Children playing with matches and the indiscriminate discarding of cigarette ends, also caused a large number of house fires. Many fires were traceable to the negligent use of electrical appliances, the cause generally being a short circuit due to unprotected and faulty wiring. Poorly made kerosene stoves and their negligent handling when used for domestic purposes were also major causes of fires.

CASUALTIES

Details of casualties recorded as a result of fires and other causes are as follows:

Died

Injured

Fires

185

Landslides, Collapsed Buildings, Drowning & Other

Causes

241

7. No serious injuries occurred to Fire Services Department per- sonnel during the past year.

STAFF

8. The personnel of the Department was increased by 30 officers and 264 other ranks. The approved establishment of the Department on 31st March, 1961 was 1,180 officers and other ranks.

9. One vacancy for a divisional officer was filled locally by the promotion of a station officer.

10. Six vacancies for station officers were filled from overseas by new appointments made by the Crown Agents and seven vacancies were filled locally by the promotion of sub-officers.

Fire Boat Alexander Grantham' berthed alongside capsized mud dredger which suddenly overturned.

No. 2 Fire Boat at work on floating craft on fire.

　11. Vacancies for other ranks were filled by local recruits. 134 vacancies were filled by candidates who responded to press advertise- ments.

12. Staff increases were approved to meet the expansion of the Department's existing services and to man the new fire stations and appliances.

APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT

　13. All fire appliances and equipment are regularly tested, over- hauled and maintained in efficient and good working order by the staff of the Fire Services Department Workshop, under the supervision of the Divisional Officer, Workshops.

　14. Two motor pump fire appliances, three escape pump appliances and one turntable ladder appliance, all of which were ordered in 1959 were received and put into commission.

　15. The radio telephone network consisting of three fixed main ground stations, 26 mobile units and 10 pack sets was in full operation. The system is of great advantage to the Department when working at large fires where no other means of communication is available.

　16. Eighteen appliances comprising one turntable ladder, one extra heavy pump, two major hose lorries, two pump escapes, five water tenders, one agriculture tender, four landrovers and two rescue appli- ances were ordered during the year.

FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WORKSHOPS

17. The Workshops Division performed a large and varied amount of work. The head mechanic, together with 15 mechanics, carried out 1,200 monthly inspections and servicings and 493 repairs to fire services appliances. A duty mechanic was available both in Hong Kong and Kowloon for 24 hours a day to deal with any emergency breakdown and in addition to attend any fire call of third alarm magnitude or above. Other workshop staff include three carpenters, three painters, three sailmakers, two cobblers and one tailor.

　18. Records show that a remarkable amount of work was carried out by the staff available under most exacting conditions. Because of the shortage of space, sections of the division were forced to work at widely separated places, such as Kowloon Fire Station, Central Fire Station, Eastern Fire Station and the ex Naval Camber.

19. Towards the end of the year, additional space amounting to 18,000 sq. ft. was acquired in the ex Naval Dockyard on Hong Kong Island. Despite their age, the old buildings on the site have proved invaluable as temporary workshops.

20. During the year under review, it was decided to equip major fire appliances with sirens. 37 appliances have so far been fitted with these units.

21. To ensure the safety of other road users, 10 fire appliances were fitted with revolving beacon ray lights. These, which are normally placed on the cabin of the vehicles, give a flashing signal easily visible when an appliance is responding to a call at night.

22. All appliances received during the year were inspected by the Division before they went into operation.

23.

FIRE BOATS

The Department has a fleet of three fire boats and one fire launch, the largest of which is the 'Alexander Grantham'. With these it is possible to cope with fires that occur on board vessels in the harbour. The fire boats are also used for relaying water for fire fighting operations on land when difficulty arises from water restrictions. Maintenance of these craft is carried out by the Marine Department.

24. Fire boat No. 1, a fast personnel and fire fighting launch, was commissioned on 23rd March, 1961. This launch constructed by Messrs. Thorneycroft in their Singapore yard is 45 ft. in length. It is powered by a Thorneycroft diesel engine of 145 b.h.p. which drives twin screws to give a speed of 19.966 knots. Fire fighting appliances on board are powered by two Rover gas turbine pumps of 60 b.h.p. each. The power pump capacity is 500 g.p.m. at 100 lbs. p.s.i. at 3,600 r.p.m. over 10 ft. static lift.

HYDRANTS AND WATER SUPPLY

25. Fire hydrants, both pedestal and ground, were inspected quarterly and all defects reported to the Water Authority for repair.

26. At the end of the year, new installations and replacements had brought the total number of pedestal and ground hydrants to 956 and 1,413 respectively.

27. Water hydrants proved to be extremely valuable in checking fires during periods when water supplies were restricted. These hydrants are inspected quarterly and maintained in good working order.

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

INSPECTION BRANCH AND FIRE PREVENTION

29. The inspection branch made a total of 10,351 inspections of premises of various descriptions during the year under review. Apart from routine inspections in connexion with the enforcement of various Ordinances, these inspections include goodwill visits and investigation of complaints of illegal storage of dangerous goods, or of obstruction to staircases or fire escapes.

30. Prosecutions of offenders for infringement of the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, the Miscellaneous Licences (Timber Stores) Ordin- ances and the Celluloid and Cinematograph Film Ordinance were undertaken on 310 occasions and convictions were registered in all cases with fines totalling $34,035. In many cases illegally stored dangerous goods were confiscated in addition to fines being imposed. A detailed summary of inspections is shown in Appendix II.

31. In order to draw attention to the general fire risks existing in tenements, buildings, public places, shops and factories, pamphlets and posters were printed and distributed to the public. At Christmas time, seasonal warnings were published in the newspapers. In the interest of fire prevention and public safety in departmental stores, a Fire Preven- tion Conference attended by representatives of all large departmental stores was held. All representatives were informed that the Fire Services Department would be willing at all times to instruct members of their staff in the operation of fire extinguishers and other fire fighting equipment.

AMBULANCE SERVICE

32. The Fire Services Department has a fleet of 26 ambulances which operate from the following fire stations:

Hong Kong

Kowloon

New Territories

Central Fire Station Eastern Fire Station 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. In the year under review, there were 21,506 emergency calls involving 22,392 patients. In addition, 27,114 removals involving 35,496 patients were made. The total mileage for both services was 482,944. Charges were made for removals and the revenue collected amounted to $57,590.

34. Compared with the previous year, emergency and removal calls to which the service responded increased by 1,479 and 3,728 respectively, a detailed summary of calls received and number of patients conveyed is shown at Appendix III.

TRAINING

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

Sub-officers Firemen

Seamen

3+ months

3 months 1+ months

36. In past years, due to lack of space, training was carried out in fire stations. This made large scale exercises virtually impossible. During the year, a temporary training school was established in the ex Naval Camber at Canton Road, Kowloon. There, despite the age and general unsuitability of the buildings, it has been possible to hold training classes of over 100 recruits. Moreover, the proximity of the waterfront has made training in pump operations possible,

37. The training curriculum includes lectures in firemanship in addi- tion to practical drills. Instructors for these courses are qualified Station Officers and Sub-officers.

WELFARE

38. The Fire Services Welfare Fund, receipts of which principally come from charges for services rendered to the public in the form of duties performed at matshed theatres, etc. was well maintained. Dis- bursements for various purposes connected with the welfare of the members of the Department amounted to $13,735.96 and the excess of income over expenditure was $9,690.88. $60,460.14 was brought forward from the previous year and the total sum deposited in the Treasury at 31st March, 1961 was $27,885.11. The value of local investments was $12,800. A statement of receipts and payments covering the transactions of the fund for the period 1st April, 1960 to 31st March, 1961 as audited by the Director of Audit is shown at Appendix IV.

　39. One of the Divisional Officers acts as Departmental Welfare Officer and his duties are to give constant attention to the welfare activities of the Department.

　40. Four launch picnics were arranged for members of the Depart- ment on the following dates :

15th August, 1960-Silver Mine Bay 18th August, 1960--Silver Mine Bay

5th September, 1960 Lamma Island

14th September, 1960-Cheung Chau Island

41. The total number of adults and children who took part in these picnics was 1,491. All expenses were charged to the Welfare Fund. 42. Television sets were installed in the following Fire Stations:

Lai Chi Kok Fire Station

Ma Tau Chung Fire Station Terminus Fire Station Western Fire Station

The cost of these sets was met from the Welfare Fund.

AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE

　43. At the end of March 1961, the strength of the Auxiliary Fire Service was 657 men and women, 37 more than at the same time last

year.

　44. The following table shows the number of men recruited and discharged during the year under review:

Discharge, etc. Increase Decrease

Period

Enrolment

Ending 30. 6.60

Ending 30. 9.60

Ending 31.12.60

Ending 31. 3.61

Total ..

a a

45. The authorized strength of the Auxiliary Fire Service is 911. A recruiting drive has been started to bring the service up to full strength.

　46. Regular weekly platoon training was carried out under the super- vision of a regular Fire Services Officer at the following centres:

HONG KONG

A.F.S. Training Centre, North Point

Mo Shuk School, Aberdeen

47.

KOWLOON

Kowloon Fire Station

NEW TERRITORIES

Cheung Chau Fire Station Sai Kung Fire Station Sha Tin Fire Station Tai Po Fire Station

Sheung Shui Fire Station Yuen Long Fire Station

Tsuen Wan Fire Station

　Second stage training for all qualified A.F.S. Personnel com- menced on 15th November, 1960 and ended on 8th April, 1961. Members were re-grouped into sub-divisional units and were instructed to present themselves on training nights at certain fire stations or on board fire boats for training. This entailed both the manning of A.F.S. appliances as well as regular Fire Service appliances.

48. In addition to the regular weekly Platoon Training Classes, the following classes were held during the year under review:

Date

16. 9.60

2. 8.60 5. 8.60 3.11.60

17. 1.61

Hong Kong Driving Class for training on 'Onslow' Appliance Recruit Training Class for Kowloon New Recruits Recruit Training Class for Hong Kong New Recruits Kowloon Driving Class for training on 'Diesel' Appliance Breathing Apparatus Instruction Class for training on Breathing

Apparatus.

49. The following Passing-Out Examinations were held during the year:

Year:

50.

24. 6.60 21. 7.60

22. 9.60 19.10.60 13. 1.61

7. 2.61 10. 3.61

}

Driving and Trailer Pump Class-10 members of Hong Kong Division and 5 members of Kowloon Division qualified to drive and operate the Land Rover' Pump Appliance and to operate the 'Victor' Trailer Pump.

10 members of Kowloon District qualified to drive and operate 'Land Rover' and 'Onslow' Appliances, 6 members of the Hong Kong District qualified to drive and operate the pump of the 'Onslow' Appliance

Kowloon and Hong Kong Recruit Class--All successful can- didates were posted to platoons for weekly platoon training

　Qualified members are detailed to attend the Weekend Station Duty Training at the A.F.S. Training Centre, North Point, Hong Kong. A total of 527 members attended such training during the year.

51. The annual drill competition for the Defence Secretary's Cup was held on 12th November, 1960. Six teams competed in three drills

each and awards were presented by the Defence Secretary, Mr. K. S.

KINGHORN.

　52. The following monthly exercises were held to test the efficiency and turnout of fire-ground and control centre personnel:

District Hong Kong Hong Kong Kowloon

Date 15.5.60

Division

HK-5

5.6.60

HK-4

17.7.60

K-1

24.7.60

21.8.60

Hong Kong Kowloon

HK-3

28.8.60

11.9.60

Hong Kong Kowloon

K-2

25,9,60

Hong Kong

HK-2

K-3

HK--1

In addition to the monthly exercises, all qualified officers and men were mobilized to take part in the A.F.S. whole-day exercise on 22.1.61 with regular Fire Services officers as referees.

　53. Squads of the Auxiliary Fire Service were detailed to stand-by duty at Tsuen Wan Fire Station on 1st and 10th October, 1960.

　54. The Auxiliary Fire Service attended and assisted the regular Fire Service in the following operations:

11. 4.60 Oak Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon

6. 5.60

9. 6.60

15. 7.60

30.

8. 1.61

9.60

16. 1.61

31. 1.61

19. 2.61 ·

Rainstorm, Yuen Long

Typhoon disaster, Cheung Chau Island

Kowloon Godown, Ferry Street, Kowloon Prata Street,

Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon

Tai Tseung Street, Yuen Long

Choi Yuen Village, Sheung Shui

Squatter Fire at Valley Road, Kowloon

Shek Wu Hui, Sheung Shui

Buckingham Building, Kowloon

　55. The A.F.S. Band gave the following public performances under the auspices of the Urban Services Department;

15. 5.60

12. 2.60

21. 8.60

20.11.60

1. 1.61

26. 3.61

Argyle Street Playground, Kowloon Victoria Park, Hong Kong

Police Ground, Boundary Street, Kowloon Victoria Park, Hong Kong

MacPherson Playground, Kowloon

King George V Memorial Park, Kowloon

56. The Band also gave the following performances:

21.11.60 24. 3,61 30. 3.61

Kowloon Fire Station-Fire Services Passing-out Parade Lai Chi Kok New Fire Station opening ceremony King's Theatre-Hong Kong Junior Chamber of Com-

merce Annual Gala Film Premiere

CAREER TAGET INSTREL ENTITASTRA NAT KEMEJA

57. The A.F.S. has its own welfare and recreation club. On 28th May, 1960, a launch picnic was organized for members and their families.

NEW FIRE STATIONS

58. Three new fire stations were opened during the year. They were the Aberdeen Fire Station, Lai Chi Kok Fire Station and Peng Chau Fire Station. Both the Aberdeen and Lai Chi Kok Fire Stations are standard three bay fire stations.

59. The Aberdeen Fire Station was opened by Mr. D. C. C. LUDDINGTON, Defence Secretary, on 21st March, 1961 and the Lai Chi Kok Fire Station was opened by the Hon. J. D. CLAGUE, C.B.E., M.C., T.D. on 24th March, 1961. These stations have 30 resident firemen, for whom dormitories, a large recreation room and canteen are provided. There are also 3 flats for officers and their families. The opening of these new stations has enabled the Fire Services Department to provide better fire protection for the surrounding districts. A fourth fire station at Kwun Tong is nearing completion.

APPENDICES

60. I append the following:

1. A graph showing the number of fire calls attended and

estimated monetary losses by fire.

A summary of Monthly Inspections.

III. A summary of Ambulance calls attended.

IV. The Balance Sheet of the Fire Brigade Welfare Fund: Receipts and Payments Accounts; Statement of Local Investments, and Statement of Outstanding Loans.

V. A summary of existing Fire Stations and Equipment,

CONCLUSION

61.

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

30th June, 1961.

W. J. GORMAN, Director of Fire Services.

機

Thousand Dollars

2,000

1,800

FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HONG KONG

Number of Fire Calls attended and Es- timated Monetary Losses by Fire from 1st April, 1960 to 31st March, 1961.

Galls attended Monetary losses ==

1,600

1,400

1,200

APPENDIX I

Calls

400

360

320

280

240

1,000

200

160

800

600

400

200

120

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

TOTAL

April

May

June

MONTHLY SUMMARY OF INSPECTIONS

19 6 0

July

August

September

October

November

December

January

February

1961

Buildings

...

Cinemas and Theatres

-3

Dancing Halls and Academies..

Dangerous Goods in General...

116

140

124

Factories and Workshops

Fire Service Installations

16 144

108

Fireworks Storages

༅།

118

ཀླས་སྒྲ

223

230

130

109

1,113

780

148 144

167

1,026

Garages

High & Low Flash

Inflammable Liquids

537

Hotels and Boarding Houses....

Kerosene in shops

174

203

116

174

1,114

Miscellaneous

153

135 174

182

260

196

135

201

196

192

238

222

2,284

...

Neon Signs

134

142

102

750

Offensive Trade

Petrol Pumps...

249

Printing Presses

185

Restaurants and Cafes

355

Schools

115

872

Timber Yards and Storages

68 147

538

545

678

648

972

968

885

8311,036 1,036

932

918

902 10,351

March

APPENDIX II

TV.LOL

SUMMARY OF AMBULANCE CALLS

(1960 - 1961)

APPENDIX III

No. of Calls

No. of Patients

Emer-

gency

Emer-

Miles run

Removal Total

gency

April 1960

1,625

1,648 3,273

1,670 2,224 3,894

31,934

May 1960

1,814

2,204

4,018

1,909

3,109

5,018

39,199

June 1960

1,853

2,112

3,965

1,993

2,792

4,785 38,648

July 1960

2,079

2,049

4,128

2,227

2,796

5,023 41,703

August 1960 ...

1,969

2,212

4,181

2,092

3,011

5,103 41,966

September 1960

1,851

2,235

4,086

1,955

2.997

4,952 41,963

October 1960...

1,792

.2,142

3,934

1,842 2,862

4,704 39,602

November 1960

1,439

2,639

4,078 1,509 3,299

4,808

39,230

December 1960

1,714

2,460 4,174

1,768 3,025

4,793 41,103

January 1961

1,942

2,510

4,452

1,920

3,180

5,100 44,224

February 1961

1,702

2,232 3,934

1,718

2.808

4,526

38,255

March 1961

1,726

2,671 4,397 1,789 3,393.

5,182

45,117

TOTAL

21,506 27,114 48,620 22,392

35,496 57,888 482,944

Emergency Cases

Removal Cases

No. of

No. of Calls

Patients

April 1960

March 1961

21,506

22,392

27,114

35,496

April 1959 - March 1960

20,027

20,951

23,386

30,283

INCREASE...

1,479

1,441

3,728

5,213

DECREASE...

NOTE: Data obtained from F.B. No. 8/131/53 (with Ambulance Clerk).

FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

WELFARE FUND

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st March, 1961

LIABILITIES

ASSETS

Value of Fund as at 1st April, 1960

$ 60,460.14

Cash Deposited in Treasury

Sundry Creditors

Receipt in advance

826.10

550.00

Fixed Deposit in Bank

•

Local Investment at cost.

Add excess of income over expenditure...

9,690.88

Less accumulated depreciation Outstanding Loans

Sundry Debtors

$71,527.12

Accrued interest from Bank Deposit

APPENDIX IV

27,885.11

25,000.00

$14,596.40

1,796.40

12,800.00

5,001.00

728.00

113.01

W. J. GORMAN, Director of Fire Services.

20.6.1961.

$71,527.12

CERTIFICATE OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT

The attached Balance Sheet and the accompanying Statement of Income and Expenditure have been examined in accordance with Regulation 11 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 Balance Sheet and Statement are correct.

AUDIT DEPARTMENT,

Hong Kong, 28th June, 1961.

W. J. D. Cooper,

Director of Audit.

Dr.

APPENDIX IV-Contd.

FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

WELFARE FUND

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

·FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st March, 1961

Cr.

EXPENDITURE

INCOME

Purchase of Sports Gear and Clothing

1,843.97

Fines

320.33

Grants or assistance to brigade clubs, canteens

Firemen's services ...

or recreation rooms

4,743.49

Less Refund

$23,276.50

773.00

22,503.50

Entertainment Expenses

245.40

Grants on death of serving member or

pensioners

Interest on local investment

Less Tax

$560.00

70.00

490.00

300.00

Accrued interest from fixed deposit

113.01

Other suitable purposes

6,283.10

Depreciation on investment

320.00

Balance being excess of income over

expenditure

9,690.88

$23,426.84

W. J. GORMAN, Director of Fire Services. 20.6.1961.

$23,426.84

APPENDIX IV-Contd.

Stocks

FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

WELFARE FUND

STATEMENT OF Local INVESTMENT AS At 31st March, 1961

Hong Kong Govern-

ment 34% Rehabi-

litation Loan

1973-78

Nominal Value

Middle Market

Market

Price

Value

Book Value

Apprecia. Deprecia.

tion

at 31.3.61

的

16,000.00

80.00

12,800.00

13,120.00

W. J. GORMAN,

Director of Fire Services. 20.6.1961.

FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

WELFARE FUND

Statement of Fixed DEPOSIT IN HONgkong & Shanghai

BANKING CORP. HONG KONG

Amount deposited

Effective Date

Interest Rate

Date due for renewal

320.00

$25,000.00

27th February, 1961 5% per annum 27th February, 1962

W. J. GORMAN,

Director of Fire Services. 20.6.1961.

FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT

WELFARE FUND

STATEMENT Of Outstanding LOANS AS AT 31ST MARCH, 1960

Outstanding loans as at 1st April, 1960...

$4,670.00

Loans made for period from 1st April, 1960 to 31st March, 1961

6,070.00

Re-payment of loans for period from 1st April, 1960 to 31st March, 1961

5,739.00

Outstanding loans as at 31st March, 1961

$5,001.00

W. J. GORMAN, Director of Fire Services.

20.6.1961.

៧.

STATIONS AND PLANT AT 31st MARCH, 1961

PLANT

APPENDIX V

HONG KONG FIRE BRIGADE

AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE

Rescue Foam Trailer Fire Ambu- Hose Radio | G.P. |Canteen Land Motor Trailer Motor Land Tender Tender Pumps Boats lances Lorry Van Van Van Rover Pumps Pumps Cycles Rover

Motor Motor Escapes Pumps (with

Pumps)

Turn- table Ladders

HONG KONG

Central

Eastern.

Western...

NAH

North Point

Aberdeen

***

King Shan Wharf

A.F.S. Training

Centre

Fire Boat No. 3..... Cheung Chau

Tai O Peng Chau

KOWLOON AND NEW

TERRITORIES

Kowloon

Terminus

Tsuen Wan

Yuen Long

Sheung Shui

Tai Po

| | | | │

|NNAN

43121

1 3

| | | | |

AAAN N

Sha Tin...

Sai Kung

Ma Tau Chung

San Hui...

Lai Chi Kok

Training School....

TOTAL