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HON
ANNUAL
DEPARTMENTAL
REPORTS
KONG
1962-63
DIRECTOR OF
FIRE SERVICES
HONG KONG
ANNUAL DEPARTMENTAL REPORT
BY THE
DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES
R. G. COX., C.ST.J., G.M., M.I.FIREE.
FOR THE
FINANCIAL YEAR 1962-63
PRINTED ANd Published BY JACK Ranyard Lee, Acting GoVERNMENT PRINTER
AT THE Government Press, HONG KONG
ཧོ
HK
FIR
186
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=1s. 3d.). The official rate for conversion to U.S. dollars is HK$5.714=US$1 (based on £1=US$2.80).
CONTENTS
GENERAL SURVEY OF THE YEAR
FIRE SERVICE
AMBULANCE SERVICE
AIRPORT FIRE CONTINGENT
·
AUXILIARY Fire Service
Paragraphs
1
2 - 5
6 7
-
8 - 9
10 - 15
RECRUITING
16 - 20
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
21 - 24
25 - 27
COMMUNICATIONS
28 - 30
ESTABLISHMENT AND STAFF CHANGES
31 - 35
REORGANIZATION OF SERVICES
36
HONOURS AND AWARDS
37
FINANCE
ACCOMMODATION
38
39 - 43
GENERAL ORDERS
44 45
TRAINING And ExaminATIONS
46 - 59
FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICES OPERATIONS IN GENERAL
60 - 61
TYPHOON WANDA
62 - 67
FIRES AND SPECIAL SERVICE CALLS OF PARTICULAR Interest
68 99
WELFARE
100 - 102
TRANSPORT, WORKSHOPS AND STORES
103 - 105
Work of FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
106 - 124
Appendix
APPENDICES
I. Distribution of Staff.
II. Chain of Command.
III. Causes of Fires, Deaths and Injuries.
IV. Welfare Fund, Certified Statement of Accounts.
V. Workshops Statistics.
VI. Summary of Major Equipment.
VII. Fire Prevention Inspections.
iv
GENERAL SURVEY OF THE YEAR
EVENTS during the past year and the activities of the Department arising from them have provided an example of the varied and often unusual problems, which confront both the Fire and Ambulance Services in Hong Kong.
FIRE SERVICE
2. Density of population coupled with the multifarious uses to which highly combustible pre-war buildings are put, has been responsible for the highest death roll by fire for 15 years.
3. The unusually dry weather in 1962 and protracted periods of low humidity during the early months of 1963 resulted in a peace time record in the number of outbreaks of fire, which in January reached an average of 30 a day. For the second year in succession, Chinese New Year celebrations caused some 300 outbreaks of fire, as combustible materials within reach of hot debris from exploding fireworks became ignited. The final extent of damage caused by these celebrations cannot be assessed until the end of the 1963 wet season. Seasonal destruction by fire of vegetation on the hillsides surrounding the urban areas was aggravated by some 200 fires caused by discharging fireworks. As it is unlikely that the top-soil will be capable of holding heavy rains, the Service is preparing for landslides during the monsoon season.
4. During the year the Fire Service met successfully three periods of considerable stress, when resources were taxed to an abnormal extent. The first was due to typhoon 'Wanda', which at its peak resulted in emergency calls exceeding 10 a minute. The second period arose from unusually low humidity in the latter part of December and early January when for weeks outbreaks of fire in premises averaged 2 per hour during daylight hours. The third period occurred during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
5. During these times the value of Government's 10-year plan for strengthening the Fire Service was incontrovertibly proved. Without the improvements which have so far been made possible by this plan, the Service would at times have been in considerable difficulties, and the death roll of 93 at fires and 78 at special services much higher. To strike a more cheerful note, 588 members of the public who had been
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trapped by flames and smoke at fires were rescued by ladders and jumping sheets, including 62 in one night time fire in Western District. Development has also brought material benefits to the public in the form of reduced financial losses, which notwithstanding 1,207 additional outbreaks of fire, were $335,696 less than the preceding year.
AMBULANCE SERVICE
6. Demands by the public and the medical profession have resulted in the Ambulance Service becoming one of the most overworked of social services. Within one hour of typhoon 'Wanda' striking the Colony, resources were exhausted with 20% of our fleet either blown off the roads or immobilized with tyres lacerated by broken glass and other debris. During the Chinese New Year celebrations, availability of am- bulances could not keep pace with demand.
7. Progress made on Government's 5-year plan for developing the Ambulance Service has reduced to a monthly average of 12 the number of occasions when no ambulance, either Government or private, has been available to respond to calls. Statistics maintained during the year indicate that when approved development is completed in 1964-65 the Ambulance Service with assistance from the St. John Ambulance Brigade, private hospitals and Kaifongs, will be able to meet average day to day commitments without overworking either personnel or am- bulances. Much depends, however, on the effect in terms of ambulance calls of additional hospitals and clinics on the one hand and road and industrial accidents on the other. As the delivery and commissioning of new ambulance exceeds 12 months the long-term needs of the Ambulance Service must be kept under constant review.
AIRPORT FIRE CONTINGENT
8. On 1st April, 1962, Fire Service personnel at Kai Tak Airport, included prior to this date in the establishment of the Civil Aviation Department, were transferred to the strength of the Fire Services Depart- ment. The object of this change was to provide, by periodic interchange, career prospects to Fire Service personnel stationed at the Airport. The Director of Civil Aviation remains the Authority and Government's principal adviser on standards of fire protection and rescue services at the Airport.
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9. The Airport Fire Contingent was alerted on 84 occasions as a precautionary measure when aircraft were landing. In addition, the Contingent attended a number of special services within the airport, ranging from persons being trapped in lifts to spillage of fuel.
AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE
10. The assistance afforded the Professional Service at major fires and emergencies by the Auxiliaries has again proved invaluable.
11. During Chinese New Year and typhoon 'Wanda', Auxiliaries comprised some 30% of our resources and but for their availability many calls for assistance would have gone unanswered.
12. Tactical fire ground exercises at weekends using professional as well as auxiliary personnel have been especially well attended by the latter whose standard of firemanship has, as a result, improved to a degree where they would be competent to operate alone on many occa- sions.
13. The Emergency Water Relay Officers of the Auxiliary Service have responded to every major fire, and one wonders at times how we managed without them in the past.
14. With the assistance of officers of the New Territories Adminis- tration and the Rural Committees, auxiliaries have been recruited in the smaller islands to augment the regular staff.
15. The Auxiliary Fire Service continues therefore to play an almost indispensable role in the fire defence of the Colony, and a great deal of credit for this satisfactory state of affairs goes to the Commandant and the professional training officers.
MAJOR PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE FIRE
AND AMBULANCE SERVICES
16. Recruitment generally, and to Firemen Class II in particular, was during the first 9 months of the year almost impossible. Fit young men in the age group 18-30 with acceptable primary educational standards appeared indifferent to offers of secure employment in what we in the Service consider an attractive career.
17. Response to advertisements, both in Hong Kong and Britain, for direct recruitment into higher (and therefore better paid) ranks
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was also disappointing, resulting in many 'key positions' remaining unfilled during the year.
18. In October 1962, a recruiting campaign was designed to coin- cide with Chinese New Year, when attractive posters and brochures were disseminated throughout the Colony. The press gave generously of space to feature articles, and frequent announcements were made over the radio and by Rediffusion. By 1st March, 1963, when the flow of candidates had dried up, the following analysis was available.
1. Number of Applicants
6,688
2. Number previously rejected but nevertheless re-processed 2,081
3. Number who failed physical standard 4. Number who withdrew applications
3,177
+
1,290
5. Number who failed simple educational tests 6. Number accepted for full medical examination
1,770
451
Total
6,688
19. Although the response to the campaign will still leave the Service short by 135 recruits of the approved 1963-64 establishment and nearly 500 short of the estimated requirement for a 72 hour week, the results must be regarded as satisfactory, particularly when taking into account the competition with which the Service is faced.
20. Notwithstanding success on this occasion, so long as industry continues to expand, as we all hope it will, difficulties in recruiting relatively large numbers to a uniformed, disciplined force will remain an obstacle to essential development. The most satisfactory answer for the Fire Service may be found in a system of apprentice firemen recruited on 'boys' service' direct from school and transferred to 'men's service' at 18 years of age.
21. The second and final major problem was, and still remains, the effect of traffic density during peak periods on 'time attendances' to fires and to a lesser degree, ambulance calls.
22. Practically every fire in pre-war buildings and many in post-war structures in Hong Kong involves a serious life risk, as is witnessed by the fact that in 1962, Fire Service personnel rescued more people by ladders and jumping sheets than did the combined total of some 146 Brigades in Britain during 1961.
23. Time of attendance to fires has been as much as 10 - 15 minutes on a journey which should have been completed in 3-5. The number
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of occasions when traffic blocks caused by the fire (and inquisitive motorists) has isolated fire appliances half a mile or more away from the fire area has increased to disturbing proportions.
24. It is clearly in the public interest that a solution is found to this difficult and serious problem.
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS
25. For two years in succession the discharge of fireworks has caused widespread damage by fire and injured hundreds of people, some permanently.
26. During the years when the cities of Victoria and Kowloon consisted primarily of tenement structures of similar size, many open spaces, and streets relatively free of traffic, the discharge of fireworks in public places was capable of toleration.
27. Under present day conditions with something in the order of million out of a probable total of 2 million pounds of hot debris from exploding fireworks descending from multi-storey buildings into crowded streets, open windows, narrow lanes and hundreds of balconies; control measures must, in the general public interest, be designed as an alternative to complete prohibition.
COMMUNICATIONS
28. Good progress was made in taking into service new V.H.F. multi-frequency radio equipment for Fire Service use and transferring the 10 year old single-frequency equipment to ambulances.
29. This development has also been timely, as the effect of 3 Districts working simultaneously on a single frequency would, during the recent fire season and other emergencies, have been chaotic.
30. The 'Walkie Talkie' sets associated with the new equipment have proved especially valuable in reducing damage by fire and water on every occasion when brought into use.
ESTABLISHMENT AND STAFF CHANGES
31. Approved establishment at the beginning of the year was 1,609, an increase of 242, which includes Fire Service personnel transferred from the Civil Aviation Department.
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32. Although at one period during the fire season the percentage of manpower lost due to sickness and injuries rose to 14%, in general 'absence from duty' due to ill health has been under 3% in the Fire Service and 8% in the Ambulance Service.
33. Mr. J. T. ATKINSON, M.I.FireE., joined the Service on transfer from British Guiana, where for 16 years he had been Chief Fire Officer. Mr. Atkinson holds the Queen's Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service.
34. Mr. J. T. A. CREGEEN, M.I.FireE., resigned from the Service and has been appointed Chief Officer at Blantyre, South Africa.
35. In December 1962, Mr. E. A. HUTCHINSON was appointed Secretary of the Department, taking over control of our Clerical Service from Mr. LEE Hin-chiu.
REORGANIZATION OF SERVICES
36. Operations during the three emergencies referred to in para- graph 4 of this report demonstrated the satisfactory nature of the District Fire Command principle. This principle, set in the Trench Report on Fire and Ambulance Services Development and shown in schematic form in Appendix II, provides for what amounts in practice to three separate fire brigades. This has made it possible for Head- quarters staff to maintain day to day business and reinforce overworked Districts during emergencies.
HONOURS AND AWARDS
37. The following members of the Service were honoured by Her Majesty the Queen:
Colonial Fire Service Medal for Gallantry
Fireman WONG Kai-wan
Queen's Commendation (Clasp) for Brave Conduct
Senior Fireman WONG Kah-wah
Queen's Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service
J. MILNER, Deputy Director
E. L. HANLON, O.St.J., District Fire Officer
(for services in the West Indies)
Colonial Fire Service Medal for Meritorious Service
Wu Man-chiu, Divisional Officer
CHAN Chu-wai, Divisional Officer.
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FINANCE
38. Expenditure on the Fire Service was $11.4 million, and on the Ambulance Service $1.3 million. Based on a population of 3.3 million the estimated cost per capita to provide Fire and Ambulance Services was $3.85. Income for the year from the Fire Prevention Bureau and Ambulance Service was $176,000.
BUILDINGS AND ACCOMMODATION
39. Progress was limited to the completion of the first block of quarters for rank and file at North Point. Design work has proceeded on Principal Fire Station/Kowloon District Headquarters Canton Road; Training School/District Headquarters New Territories, rank and file quarters in Kowloon and a standard plan for Ambulance Depots.
40. The first block in a programme of rank and file quarters was opened at North Point in November 1962 by Mr. A. M. J. WRIGHT, then Deputy Director of Public Works, and made a timely and sub- stantial contribution to an improvement in morale.
41. These rank and file quarters are invaluable not only for operational reasons but also because the provision of quarters for officers in a service subject to discipline, long hours of stand-by and frequently danger has undoubted value in maintaining morale and in attracting recruits to what, in some respects, may appear to be an arduous and comparatively unattractive service. The men also find that another advantage is the comparatively low rents when compared with those that they have to pay for private accommodation.
42. Pending completion of the major projects referred to in para- graph 39, the Service continues to rely on the use of temporary premises which at the end of the year were as follows:
Fire Services Headquarters
District Headquarters, Kowloon
District Headquarters, Hong Kong
7
Howe Block,
Ex H.M.S. Tamar, Queen's Road East, Hong Kong.
Ex Naval Camber, Canton Road, Kowloon.
Ex Naval Quarters, Harcourt Road, Hong Kong.
District Headquarters, New Territories. Chartered Bank Building,
Fire Service Workshops and Stores
Rank and File Training School
Officers Training School
་་ ་
Tsuen Wan.
Ex Naval Stores, Hong Kong.
Chatham Road Camp, Kowloon.
Ex Naval Nissen Huts, Harcourt Road, Hong Kong.
43. In view of the need to overcome the effect of traffic density on time response to calls in the Central District of Victoria and to provide protection for the area that will be affected by the Central Area Re-development Plan, planning approval was given during the year for the provision of two smaller stations in place of the unsuitable Fire Brigade Building, taking at the same time the opportunity of providing a permanent home for Colony Fire Service Headquarters in one of these planned stations.
FIRE SERVICE GENERAL ORDERS AND
COMMUNICATIONS TO PERSONNEL
44. The many thousands of Orders, Circulars, Notices, Memoranda and Directives issued by three Commanding Officers during the past 30 years have been revoked and destroyed.
45. In their place 4 volumes out of a planned 6, designated 'Hong Kong Manuals of Firemanship' have been issued in English and are now in the process of being translated into Chinese. It has been an enormous but very necessary task, providing the essential 'communica- tions' between 'command' and 'rank and file'.
TRAINING
46. Standards of technical knowledge in Fire Engineering generally rise in proportion to developments in industry. During the past decade, revolutionary changes have taken place in the type and variety of raw materials used in production, creating new problems for the Fire Service.
47. To the Fire Engineer, the substances involved in fires are no longer limited to the by-products of timber, coal and iron upon which industry has relied since the beginning of the industrial era. Man-made fibres, alloys, plastics and new chemical compounds, coupled with the increasing use of the by-products of our nuclear age have extended
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greatly the area of technology over which the Fire Engineer must, in public interest, direct a critical eye.
48. Within the Service, the development and maintenance of efficient preventive and protective measures demands higher standards of technical knowledge to enable the Fire Officer to discourse intelli- gently with architects, industrial chemists, engineers-physicists and management, none of whom can reasonably be expected to comply (often at considerable expense) with safety requirements, if the Fire Officer displays ignorance of their problems.
49. Throughout the world scientists and industrial chemists continue to invent materials and devise methods to outclass and out-produce competitors. All too often, the aura of secrecy which has surrounded these developments has resulted in Fire Officers being faced (following a fire or explosion) with long and laborious enquiries into the cause. 50. The foregoing factors taken together with the abnormally large increase in strength to make good deficiencies in the approved establish- ment and organization of the service, have provided training problems of considerable dimensions and variety. The greatest shortcoming experienced during the year was the lack of accommodation pending the construction of the permanent Fire Service Training School in the New Territories. Towards the end of the year the Buildings and Lands Branch of the Colonial Secretariat provided invaluable help in allocat- ing a number of buildings which can be adapted and used as temporary training establishments. There are now therefore good prospects of making some inroads into the deficiencies in training which have accumulated during the past decade.
Professional Examinations
51. 41 officers sat the annual examinations at the Hong Kong Centre of the Institution of Fire Engineers. 3 were successful in the Associate Member section and 1 in the Graduates. These additions will increase the Hong Kong Branch of the Institution to:
4 Members
12 Associate Members
17 Graduate Members
I Licentiate
66 Students
and therefore one of the largest in any Fire Brigade in the Common- wealth.
52. The Senior Professional Officers Examination which, notwith- standing possession of the Diploma of the Institution of Fire Engineers,
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is a prerequisite to appointment of and above the rank of Senior Divisional Officer, was held early in the year. 9 candidates sat this examination and 3 passed.
53. The Other Ranks Promotion Advisory and Examination Boards were able, by the end of the year under review, to meet the require- ments of the examination calendar which provides for technical examinations at 10 levels to be held between 1st April and 30th October, annually. 535 officers and other ranks sat these examinations with 409 passes.
Courses in Britain
54. One local officer attended a study course and two overseas officers short refresher courses in Britain.
Auxiliary Fire Service
55. The appointment of whole time staff officers for training the 800 members of the Auxiliary Fire Service has resulted in greatly improved standards of practical and technical knowledge in this important branch of the Service. These improved standards have been most noticeable at major fires to which members of the Auxiliary Fire Service have been called.
Specialist Training
56. In the light of higher remuneration for less hours of duty in the road transport industry, it has become impossible to recruit drivers. with any experience of heavy transport; as a result, the Service has had great difficulty in producing drivers qualified to operate heavy fire appliances. With the increase in public transport, the position is not likely to improve, and in-service training of drivers has become a very vital task. Training in such specialized matters as breathing apparatus, skin diving, resuscitation apparatus, oxy/acetylene/propane cutting equipment, mechanical tools for rescue
rescue purposes, pump operating, has in the absence of a central school been carried out at station level with limited success.
External Training
57. District Commanders have been responsible, using their opera- tional staff, for providing instruction in first aid fire fighting to many organizations in the Colony. Several hundred Boy Scouts, Girl Guides and members of other youth organizations have been given courses of instruction up to 8 weeks in duration, and certificates awarded. Demand
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for this type of training is on the increase and should be encouraged, because it is really the 'jumping off point' of fire prevention for the younger generation.
58. Senior officers of the Department have given lectures to students in the Faculty of Architecture, Hong Kong University, and to Police officers undertaking advanced courses at the Police Training School.
59. In general, whilst training in the Service during the past year has not kept pace with present day needs, advances have been made which, with the additional accommodation now available, can be im- proved upon during 1963-64.
FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICES OPERATIONS
IN GENERAL
60. The Services responded during the year under review to 61,941 calls at which 171 persons died, 588 were rescued and 791 injured. 1 officer and 1 fireman died, and 94 officers and men were injured at fires or arising from fire fighting operations. Direct financial loss was $6,416,000. A breakdown of the type of calls received is as follows:
Fires
Special Service Calls
Ambulance Calls:
(a) Accident and Sudden Illness (b) Hospital Removals
3,102
419
25,138
33,282
The classification and supposed causes of fires are set out in Appen- dix III.
61. From time immemorial, the winter months have been accepted philosophically as Hong Kong's time of trial in the matter of fires. Statistics during the past few years have produced no evidence of additional causes being introduced at this time. This has during the recent fire season led to a closer examination of the factors involved, when charts have revealed that within 36 hours of a fall in humidity below 50% there is an immediate increase in the number of fires. Our analysis has so far only been rather elementary, and more detailed study is needed; nevertheless, sufficient evidence has been produced to justify further investigation, and the Department is in consultation with the University, which may well open up an invaluable avenue to containing Fire Service expenditure on manpower and appliances, which of neces- sity is at the present time directed primarily towards meeting the needs of the winter season and emergencies peculiar to Hong Kong.
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OPERATIONS DURING TYPHOON 'WANDA'
62. During the 24 hours covering the period of typhoon 'Wanda' the Service responded to 530 calls for assistance. Irrespective of weather conditions calls were answered at once. As a result, by 10 a.m. when the winds were at maximum strength (estimated at 140 knots) 2 am- bulances had been blown off the road (requiring additional responses to rescue the crews) and 7 ambulances and 9 fire appliances were stranded due to flooded engines. Within one hour workshops staff had recovered and placed back in service all but 1 ambulance and 2 appliances.
63. Injuries to the public due to fragments of broken glass were numerous and by 11 a.m. the professional ambulance service resources were exhausted. Military ambulances and the Auxiliary Medical Service responded to calls for assistance and by midday the backlog of calls had been dealt with.
64. At Sha Tin, the fire station complete with appliances disappeared under a tidal wave, and the handful of personnel under the command of Senior Divisional Officer WATSON performed herculean tasks by hand. So rapid was the rise in the water level that personnel were at one moment wading ankle deep in water, and less than 5 minutes later swimming.
65. The effect of the typhoon produced two unusual special services. The first was when a ship out of control struck the sea-wall at North Point, partially demolishing a cyanide store. A team of 20 men with breathing apparatus worked for 8 hours non-stop to dispose of broached containers, which were discharging lethal gases, and to transfer un- damaged containers to a place of safety. At this incident, the Service was greatly indebted to Dr. GREAVES (Government Chemist) who with- out previous training donned a breathing apparatus set and entered the damaged store to investigate personally the nature of the chemicals stored therein.
66. The second (and simultaneous) incident occurred at West Point where damaged drums of carbide of calcium were giving off large quantities of explosive gases.
67. With the gas manufacturing plants temporarily closed these two operations demonstrated that Fire Service facilities for recharging breath- ing apparatus cylinders needed reassessment.
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FIRES AND SPECIAL SERVICE CALLS
OF PARTICULAR INTEREST
68. Fire calls involving property in Hong Kong are classified as follows:
1st Alarms
2nd Alarms
3rd Alarms
4th Alarms
5th Alarms
Disaster Alarms
0-5 jets
Specially Dangerous Risks
6 - 10 jets
11-25 jets and/or persons unaccounted
for
26-50 jets
All resources
Each category of alarm is answered by a pre-determined number of appliances and personnel.
69. Summary of alarms for the year was :
First Alarms
Second Alarms
Third Alarms
Fourth Alarms
Fifth Alarms
Disaster Alarms
2,727
279
80
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2
Second Street, West Point, Hong Kong
1 (False Alarm with good intent)
3,102
70. At 5.58 a.m. on 14th April, 1962, a fire believed to be caused by the failure of illegal electrical wiring broke out in the basement of 19, Second Street. This building, excessively stocked with goods and chattels, (and for some undiscovered reason bags of lime) became rapidly involved in fire, which was raised to 4th alarm category. During opera- tions Assistant Station Officer NG Wei-loong and Senior Fireman Mok Po fell some 30 feet into the centre of the fire area when floors suddenly collapsed. These officers were quickly rescued by colleagues but not before both were severely injured. NG, aged 26 years, died a few days later in Queen Mary Hospital. Mox survived with scars to remind him always of his narrow escape. Material damage was under $30 000.
New Market Street, Hong Kong
71. A little before 11 p.m. on 8th June, 1962, a fire broke out on the 1st floor of a 5-storey tenement building used as a domestic dwelling and for minor industry. Damage at $40,000 was relatively small, but the variety of dangerous goods present in the building produced a specta-
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cular and difficult fire, which was raised to 4th alarm category. Two persons were burnt to death and 6 others seriously injured. The cause of fire was mishandling of highly volatile rubber solution.
Canton Road, Kowloon
72. A prompt report by a watchman on 5th June, 1962, which brought the Fire Service to a raw cotton fire in a godown area in Canton Road a few minutes after 10 p.m. prevented what might otherwise have been a conflagration in this highly congested section of Kowloon. The fire was extinguished in 20 minutes at a cost of $20,000. The value at risk in the godown ran into millions.
Queen's Road Central, City of Victoria
73. Just before midnight on 25th August, 1962, a 12 year old boy knocked over a kerosene stove in a tenement house in Queen's Road Central. The resultant fire spread with great rapidity through the building of origin, jumped across a scavenging lane, set alight another tenement building in Lower Lascar Row, and on the arrival of the first attending appliances had spread to the balcony of yet a third block of tenements. In this highly congested area situated on the lower mid levels of the City of Victoria, a very serious fire situation developed before reinforce- ments from as far away as North Point could be brought to the scene. The tenements affected were used as domestic dwellings, shops and for the manufacture of footwear, metal shades and electrical equipment. One person died, 6 were severely injured, 27 rescued and some 800 made homeless.
Gillies Avenue, Kowloon
74. A little after 9 a.m. on 21st August, 1962, a fire broke out on the ground floor of a 6-storey R.C.C. tenement type building used for the manufacture of spectacle frames, a private school and domestic dwellings. The fire, fed by large stocks of highly inflammable plastic materials, spread rapidly from the ground floor, blocking the primary escape route for the children attending school on the upper floors. The hardwood smoke stop door delayed fire travel long enough for the majority of the children to evacuate under the supervision of teachers by the secondary escape route. Members of the Service led the remain- ing 35 children to safety.
San Shan Road, Kowloon
75. At 2 a.m. on the morning of 8th August, 1962, fire broke out on the 5th floor of a modern 9-storey factory block in Kowloon. The
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cause of the fire which started in a production line of Christmas tree plastic and glass lights, was not determined, but the rapid spread un- doubtedly resulted from gas lines (used for annealing the small glass lamps) melting and feeding the fire area with considerable quantities of gas. The heat build up was so great as to completely distort and make unsafe a 6-inch R.C.C. floor! On arrival the Officer Commanding found some 25 persons trapped above the fire and these were led to safety under a water curtain from spray nozzles. Unfortunately, two hardwood fire resistant smoke stop doors had, contrary to the requirements of the Service, been fitted with unprotected glass, and through the latter the fire spread rapidly to the 6th floor, igniting en route illegal storage on stairways. The call had been raised to 5th alarm category and was brought under control in 1 hour. From a Fire Service planning view point operations were of interest due to the fact that as development of the large site upon which this factory is situated was incomplete, moni- tors from turntable ladders were only effective on two sides of the factory. On the remaining two, the fire under a strong wind was being driven into the upper floors. A recently acquired extra-heavy pump was brought to the scene, and within 10 minutes of 2 heavy monitors being directed into the 5th and 6th floors, the fire was literally blasted out of existence from the astonishing distance of over 120 feet. The Service understandably acquires a sense of satisfaction when an item of equip- ment specially designed by one of its officers to meet the special water shortage problems in Hong Kong produces such satisfactory results in another field of operations. This fire provided a further demonstration of the axiom that it is the contents, not the structure, which provides the fire and life risk."
Second Street, City of Victoria
76. A few minutes after 7 a.m. on 13th September, 1962, a fire broke out in a 4-storey tenement building in Second Street, City of Victoria, Hong Kong, spreading rapidly and involving a second tenement along- side. This fire, which was brought under control within 50 minutes, is of interest in demonstrating the uncertainties which face Officers Com- manding first attendances in Hong Kong. The two tenement buildings were occupied by some 350 persons. On arrival the Officer Commanding was informed that a large number of persons were unaccounted for; as a result the fire was raised to 4th alarm category. Whilst one section of the first attendance was 'holding the fire' the balance together with the 4th alarm reinforcements searched every nook and cranny amongst col-
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lapsing roofs, ceilings and balconies, choking smoke and heat. After 25 minutes the Officer Commanding, who by this time was convinced that another heavy death toll lay beneath the debris, was informed that the original report was false.
Gloucester Arcade, City of Victoria
77. On 1st September, 1962, towards the end of typhoon 'Wanda', a call was received to a fire which had broken out in a sports outfitting shop in the Gloucester Arcade. The fire was unusual due to the complete absence of any living or material thing which could have caused it. Power and lighting supplies were off, the shop unoccupied and intact, (firemen having to break windows to gain entry) and finally there was no material stored on the premises likely to cause spontaneous combus- tion. This led a bewildered and somewhat harassed investigating officer to record the cause of fire as 'complete mystery'.
Un Chau Street, Kowloon
78. The greatest single life loss for many years at one fire occurred in Nos. 486-490 Un Chau Street on 8th August, 1962, in the early hours of the morning. A special report has been submitted in respect of this fire which resulted in the death of 44 persons and 16 persons injured and rescued by Fire Service personnel. The fire broke out on the ground floor in a shop containing joss papers, joss sticks and firecrackers, together with machinery and personal effects. The buildings generally were used for minor industry, shops and domestic dwellings. The property at risk was $600,000, the estimated damage $208,000. San Wai Village, Kowloon
79. At 4 a.m. on the morning of 18th October, 1962, one of the most difficult squatter fires of the year broke out on the hillside at the back of Castle Peak Road. Squatters overlapped the boundary of Wing Hing Street; as a result, reinforced concrete structures in this street were also involved. Under the influence of a strong northerly wind and low humidity the fire spread rapidly up the hillside over an area of 100,000 square feet before it could be stopped from involving the nearby village of Tsap Fai. Some 800 were made homeless, and the direct financial loss to the villagers ran into $60,000.
Larch Street, Kowloon
80. Just before midday on 7th October, 1962, a fire broke out in an illegal structure on the roof of a 3-storey reinforced concrete factory building. The fire, which was quickly extinguished, is of interest only because it illustrates the considerable hazard to modern structures
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5
a
Un Chau Street, Kowloon. 44 dead.
ན་
Central, City of Victoria,
tenement block, well alight on all floors
Wah Kiu Daily News
4
Western District, City of Victoria. 7 dead. 62 rescued.
Day break at Cheung Sha Wan timber yards.
Kung Sheung Dally News.
མ
F
wit
News.
J
+
T
11
His Excellency the Governor, Sir Robert BLACK, G.C.M.G., O.B.E., stops to talk to a member of the parade on the occasion of presentation of H.M. awards to members of the Service at District Fire Headquarters, Kowloon.
South China Morning Post.
NO ENTRY
O
7
不准駛
行鋉眼的菜
EW OPTICAL CO
Kung Sheung Daily News.
The final stages of Buckingham Building fire, 3rd February, 1963; Fire Services Rescue Teams safely evacuated 100 persons trapped on upper floors.
created by roof squatters. The capital value placed at risk by the latter exceeded $1 million.
Fire on board 'Sea Dragon'-3,279 tons
81. A little after 9 a.m. on 8th December, 1962, Fire Boat No. 2 was despatched to the 3,000-ton 'Sea Dragon' at anchor south of Stonecutters Island. This ship was undergoing extensive internal alterations to provide refrigerated space for soft fruit carrying in the Far East. On arrival, the Officer Commanding found Nos. 3 and 4 holds well alight with flames shooting to mast-head height. Within one hour the vessel developed a list in excess of 10 degrees, and the Marine Department Officer attending recommended a cessation in fire fighting operations. The joint problem facing the two Departments concerned was the very real risk of this vessel capsizing and causing obstruction in the fairway. From 10.30 to just after midday Fire Boat No. 2 stood off spraying the superstructure, hoping that the fire below, which appeared to be confined to insulating material, would burn itself out. At 1 p.m., the list remain- ing at 10 degrees, Fire Service personnel resumed operations on board. Almost immediately, however, the list commenced to increase and the ship was again evacuated. No. 2 Fire Boat was replaced by the 'Alexander Grantham' for the joint objective of allowing the ship includ- ing the superstructure to burn out, (hoping thereby to reduce her top weight) and to cut holes into the starboard side so that attempts could be made to pump water out of the starboard deep tanks. The fire con- tinued to rage throughout the night with the 'Alexander Grantham' in attendance, and by 9.30 a.m. with the superstructure destroyed, the list had been reduced to 14 degrees. The 'Alexander Grantham' was employed throughout the day to cool the vessel down preparatory to it being boarded. Early in the morning on 10th December, 1962, officers of the Marine and Fire Services Departments proceeded on board the vessel, the latter extinguishing the small fires which remained. The 'Sea Dragon' was later sold as scrap for the sum of $313,000. Disappointing as operations of this kind are to the Fire Service, in view of the events of typhoon 'Wanda', the primary concern of the Marine and Fire Services Departments was to avoid the vessel capsizing in the fairway. In this respect, operations were successful.
Fuk Wah Village, Kowloon
82. The second most serious squatter fire of the season broke out a little before 10 p.m. on 11th January, 1963, when Fuk Wah Village became involved in fire which, under a 14-knot north easterly wind,
17
spread rapidly up the hillside. One person was burnt to death, 3 injured and nearly 2,000 made homeless. The estimated loss to the villagers was in the order of $200,000.
Hill Road, City of Victoria, Hong Kong
83. One of the most dramatic fire situations of the year occurred a little after 2 a.m. on 31st January, 1963, in a 5-storey R.C.C. building in Hill Road. On arrival the ground, second and third floors were well alight from Nos. 443 to 453 on the Queen's Road West side and No. 21 Hill Road. 62 people were trapped above the fire on the decorative coping stone of these buildings some 60 feet above the street and were rescued by the Fire Service, but not before some had sustained injuries. 9 people died and 15 were injured, including 3 members of the Service. Not unnaturally, in the process of rescuing such large numbers and searching the buildings for others whilst awaiting reinforcements, the fire continued to spread, taking as a result 24 hours before it could be brought under control. The area affected was 600,000 cubic feet. The rapidity of spread and the fact that so many people were trapped, was due to the alterations which have taken place in this building over the years. Part was used as a school, and there is little doubt if a fire had occurred during school hours the death roll would have been very much greater. The cause was determined as being due to the overheating of an electric motor in a cooler when the safety device against overload failed to operate. The resultant heat built up quickly ignited several cases of alcohol and surrounding merchandise, trapping in the cockloft above a family of 7. Whilst no one can be satisfied with fires of this nature, our officers obtained a sense of achievement in the fact that the prompt attendance of a rescue tender designed by them and taken into commission some 6 months previous to the fire was directly and posi- tively responsible for saving 38 lives.
Cheung Wah Street, Kowloon
84. One of the most serious fire situations in Kowloon during the year developed just before 6 a.m. on 30th January, 1963, in a timber yard and box making factories near the waterfront at Cheung Sha Wan. The fire spread rapidly under an 11 knot north easterly wind, and placed at risk a block of 6 storey R.C.C. tenements and a number of other timber yards in the area. 2 hours hard work was necessary before the fire was brought under control. 2 persons were injured. Cause of fire--cooking meals over open fire.
18
Sheung Sha Po Village, Kowloon
85. One of the largest financial losses of the year occurred at the fire which broke out a little after midday on 26th January, 1963, just outside the Walled City. The fire involved some 12,000 square feet containing factories producing and storing textiles, plastics, firecrackers, furniture and other miscellaneous products. The property at risk was insured for little over $4 million, and damage amounted to $900,000. A small number of people were made homeless and one person was injured. Of unusual interest at this fire which took 14 hours to subdue was the abnormally high loss, having regard to the low value of the property generally.
Yuen Long, New Territories
86. One person was burnt to death and a considerable quantity of livestock destroyed when a fire broke out just before 11 p.m. on 25th January, 1963, at Sai Yu Chung Village in the New Territories Water had to be relayed over considerable distances across cultivated land, and the Fire Service personnel at Yuen Long had an undoubtedly difficult task.
Des Voeux Road West, Hong Kong
87. 12 people were trapped by, and rescued from, a fire caused by defective electrical equipment which broke out a little after midnight on 26th January, 1963. The fire occurred on the 1st floor of an 8-storey R.C.C. tenement building, smoke and flames immediately blocking means of escape from the floors above. Material damage was slight at $1,000. This fire is of interest in illustrating that life risk is not limited to major fires.
Electric Road, North Point, Hong Kong
88. During Chinese New Year celebrations, a fire on a construction site started by children playing with firecrackers, spread to an adjoining 10-storey R.C.C. building. The fire was brought under control very quickly, but a member of the Fire Service was injured.
Buckingham Building, Nathan Road, Kowloon
89. The most expensive fire of the year broke out in the early hours of the morning of 3rd February, 1963 on the 1st floor of a 12-storey building at 317-321 Nathan Road, Kowloon. The cause of the fire, which injured 6 persons and trapped another 100 on the upper floors, was believed to be a failure of electrical equipment, (most probably an
19
air-conditioner) which set fire to the combustible lining of a false ceiling. The fire spread laterally across the whole of the 1st floor and thence through the air-conditioning ducts to the basement and upper floors. All staircases had been rendered smokelogged due to alterations which have been carried out. On arrival of the first attendance, the lower five floors of the building had been flooded with smoke, and the call was raised to 4th alarm. Even with the use of breathing apparatus, members of the Service were unable to remain in the basement, which ultimately had to be flooded, whilst the fire on the 1st and 2nd floors was dealt with in the normal way. Damage by water was very heavy and account- ed for the major proportion of the estimated loss of $1,460,000. The value of property at risk was $8,000,000. This fire is of particular interest in that the design of the building and the egress and access thereto were perfectly satisfactory and would have enabled all occupants to proceed to safety before the arrival of the Fire Service had the fire division walls not been breached by air-conditioning ducts.
Queen's Road East, Hong Kong
90. 28 persons were rescued by jumping sheets and ladders when a fire broke out in the ground floor cockloft of an 8-storey R.C.C. tene- ment building, the lower floors of which were used as a plastic garment factory. Dense toxic smoke prevented the use of the normal exit leading from this building. Property was insured for $90,000 and the damage limited to $12,000. The cause of the fire was believed to be defective electrical equipment used in the illegal garment factory situated in the cockloft.
Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon
91. $90,000 worth of damage was incurred in a fire which broke out in an R.C.C. building in Wong Tai Sin during Chinese New Year's celebrations, and all evidence from investigating officers pointed to the discharge of fireworks by children being the cause.
Wang Tau Hom, Kowloon
92. An estimated loss of $100,000 was incurred when the careless discharge of fireworks ignited a number of temporary structures used as contractors' huts on a site in Kowloon. Amongst the major items destroyed was living accommodation for workers, timber storage, a lorry, motor cycle, air compressor plants and office equipment. 2 persons sustained injuries.
20
Un Chau Street, Kowloon
93. This street maintained its growing reputation in the Service for serious fires, when at 5 a.m. in the morning on 24th February, 1963, a fire broke out on the ground floor of No. 424, a 6-storey R.C.C. tene- ment building. The fire, fed by joss paper, firecrackers, enormous quantities of plastic buttons and other industrial products, spread rapidly in the building of origin, where it trapped 40 persons who were rescued by the Fire Service on arrival. The fire, which spread across the balcony on the 1st floor into the adjoining tenement, was brought under control within an hour. Complete destruction of the area of origin prevented the cause of the fire being determined with any accuracy; nevertheless inquiries indicated that it broke out whilst the occupants on the ground floor were preparing an early morning meal.
Palm Street, Kowloon
94. A potentially dangerous fire situation was created just after midday on 11th February, 1963, in the congested waterfront area of Tai Kok Tsui when a discarded cigarette started a fire in a coffin making workshop. Although the fire was brought under control in less than 16 minutes, the damage exceeded $30,000.
Tsuen Wan, New Territories
95. Tsuen Wan's most expensive fire of the year broke out in a 2-storey factory building in the early hours of the morning on 28th February, 1963. The first attendance from Tsuen Wan Fire Station was able to hold the fire in check pending arrival of reinforcing appliances from Kowloon and Yuen Long. Damage was estimated at $60,000 and 2 persons were injured.
Kam Tin, New Territories
96. Having regard to the size of the village, extensive damage was caused by a fire in the early hours of the morning of 2nd March, 1963, when a row of single storey wood and brick houses were destroyed due to defective electrical equipment igniting saw dust. Appliances from Yuen Long and San Hui arrived in time to prevent widespread damage in this village. The loss to the villagers was estimated at $24,000.
Social Avenue, Kowloon
97. Children playing with matches caused a fire which destroyed 7 two-storey brick and wooden huts at Ha Yu Ling, Social Avenue,
21
Kowloon, at 5 p.m. on 6th March, 1963. The loss to the occupants was estimated at $15,000.
Fuk Tsun Street, Kowloon
98. Unusual operations developed following a fire which broke out at 7.25 a.m. on 19th March, 1963, on the 1st floor of a 5-storey R.C.C. tenement building in Fuk Tsun Street, Kowloon. The fire was caused when an occupant using the toilet struck a match, sustaining minor injuries in a somewhat sensitive part of his anatomy. The fire was quickly extinguished, and upon investigation as to the cause, an officer from the Fire Prevention Bureau reported the presence of heavy con- centrations of petroleum gases. Further investigations (following the evacuation of the premises) revealed that the liquid in the flushing tanks on the roof was almost neat petroleum. As a result, the whole flushing system for this block contained highly inflammable liquids and gases. On the ground floor, where a bakery was operating at full production with high temperatures from the ovens, some 30-40 gallons of liquid found in the drains nearby was heavily contaminated with petroleum. The Service drained all flushing systems in the neighbour- hood and gave orders for further buildings to be evacuated, whilst the source of the petroleum was being traced. Continuing investigations in the buildings, sewers and drains made it obvious that a highly dangerous situation existed over a wide area. The total resources of Kowloon District and the Fire Prevention Bureau was mobilized on the spot together with officers from the Government Chemist, Water Authority Drainage Office and the Urban Services Department. Investi- gations by the Fire Prevention Bureau revealed a possible source (later confirmed) of the petroleum as a 1,000 gallons underground tank of solvent in a rubber factory nearby. The supplying company drained and sealed this tank at once. Wells in the area were also contaminated and steps taken to free them of gas by the Urban Services Department and Fire Service personnel. By 5 p.m. in the evening, some 10 hours after the original fire, the area was declared gas free, and some 1,200 people re-occupied their homes and places of work. Departmental co-operation in this joint operation was excellent. This small fire coupled with the persistent efforts of the officers of the Fire Prevention Bureau to ascertain the causes of all fires was without doubt responsible for setting into motion action by Government Departments which prevented what could have been the greatest disaster by explosion and fire in the Colony since the war.
22
Tai Po Road, Kowloon
99. The last 4th alarm fire of the year broke out a little after midday on 28th March, 1963, on the 6th floor of a 7-storey R.C.C. building, producing an unusual turn of events when an off duty fire- man was injured and rescued by his colleagues.
WELFARE
100. Whilst welfare of personnel must remain the primary duty of Officers Commanding Units, the variety and often complexity of many of the problems raised requires the attention of one who has received some special training in this important field.
101. At one time, assistance was invariably limited to requests for loans from the Welfare Fund. During the past year applications have included requests for advice and assistance on family planning, material assistance for the family with the husband away from home for 24 hours and a wife in hospital, problems concerning relatives residing outside the Colony, schooling of children, adoption procedures, and many other problems of a personal nature, which need the attention of a woman rather than a commanding officer.
WELFARE FUND ·
102. The increase in personnel without a proportionate increase in income has taxed the Fund to its limit during the year. Quite clearly, additional sources of revenue must be sought if the Fund is going to continue to provide financial assistance to prevent men being driven into the hands of money lenders charging exorbitant rates of interest. The certified statement of accounts for the Fund is at Appendix IV.
TRANSPORT, WORKSHOPS AND STORES
103. This branch of the Service is responsible for:
(a) Maintenance and repair of all fire fighting appliances.
(b) Purchase, issue and repair of all Fire Service general stores
including uniforms and footwear.
(c) The ordering, repair and maintenance of new fire fighting
equipment for the Service and Government buildings.
(d) Medical supplies for the Ambulance Service.
23
(e) Supply of fuel to appliances and ambulances generally and at
operations in particular.
(f) Conducting driving and pump operators' tests and issuing
licences to drive Fire Service appliances.
The Officer Commanding and his staff have done an outstanding job of improvisation in their temporary premises in the ex Naval premises in Harcourt Road, Hong Kong Island.
104. Damage to appliances and equipment during typhoon 'Wanda' resulted in the workshops staff working round the clock for nearly two weeks. Two appliances which disappeared under a tidal wave at Sha Tin and 3 more flooded by sea water at North Point Fire Station had to be virtually stripped down to the last nut and bolt and re-built. 11 appliances and other vehicles were recovered during the height of the typhoon and brought back to their bases.
105. During the year, the branch ordered, tested and put into service many new appliances and equipment, the more important items being:
Hose Laying Appliances Turntable Ladders Rescue Appliances
Extra Heavy Pump
+
2
2
NNN
2
1
Major Pump
...
Land Rover Pump
Portable Pumps
++
Mobile Transmitter/Receivers
Miles of Hose
1
1
4
28
10
A list of appliances and major equipment in commission on 31st March, 1963, is contained in Appendix VI.
FIRE PREVENTION
106. The objectives of the Fire Prevention Bureau are 'to determine and intelligently anticipate the causes of fire and the loss of life thereby, and apply the knowledge gained to preventing a recurrence'. The application of this precept brings Fire Officers into daily contact or consultation with every profession and involves the inspection of every building which requires a licence or permit for use by members of the public.
107. In Hong Kong, where fire prevention measures have unaccept- able adverse economic effects unless the principle of tolerated risk' is understood and applied by Fire Officers, problems continue to be immense, and results at times frustrating. Nevertheless, the bureau has
24
done more sterling work during the year, and in three known instances prevented fires or explosions which would have had disastrous con- sequences.
INVESTIGATION OF FIRES
108. The Fire Prevention Bureau performed some especially good work in determining the causes of 1,775 fires which occurred in build- ings. Whilst many have had to be recorded officially as unknown, sufficient evidence was obtained in every instance to provide further material for fire prevention educational purposes.
PUBLICITY
109. With invaluable assistance from the press, radio, Rediffusion, Kaifongs and a number of other organizations, the Service launched in the period October - December the greatest anti-fire campaign in its history.
Schools
110. Having regard to the number of fires started by children a Poster Competition was organized. Encouraged by officers of the Educa- tion Department and teachers, children submitted 1.592 posters for judging, and 102 prizes provided by the Service and the Chinese Manufacturers Association were awarded.
Factories and Commercial Houses
111. The need for greater vigilance in producing and distribution agencies was emphasized by the circulation of more than a hundred thousand leaflets, and thousands of letters, brochures and Fire Preven- tion Notices.
Displays and Demonstrations
112. A Fire Prevention Display lasting 6 weeks was held at the Chinese Manufacturers Association Exhibition, and demonstrations and displays took place on playgrounds and school premises throughout the Colony.
Press and Radio
113. The press, radio and Rediffusion gave up valuable space and time daily to slogans to keep before the public the need for increased vigilance during the dry season.
114. In spite of the painstaking work of the Fire Prevention Bureau in educating the public to understand that carelessness alone is respon-
25
sible for outbreaks of fire, the latter continue to show, particularly in the winter months, a lack of interest which is at times alarming.
LEGISLATION
Dangerous Goods Regulations
115. The operation of the Dangerous Goods (General) Regulations was postponed sine die, pending a comprehensive review of all the legislation relating to dangerous goods. Work on the review is now well advanced.
Summary Offences Ordinance
116. Practical experience has proved that Sect. 6A of the Summary Offences Ordinance dealing with obstructions to means of escape should be transferred to the Fire Services Ordinance and extended to include powers of inspection to investigate obvious fire hazards. The necessary amending legislation has now been drafted.
Buildings (Fire Service Installations) Regulations
117. The extraordinary increase in the number and type of multi- storey buildings requires, in the interest of the occupants, more stringent standards for fire service installations and fire alarm systems. New standards have been agreed, and legislation is in course of preparation.
DEPARTMENTAL PUBLICATIONS
118. Architects and allied professions have found difficulty at times in ascertaining acceptable standards in matters of fire protection other than structural requirements when designing new buildings. A variety of conflicting standards has been available, and to simplify procedure for the building trade generally, the Fire Prevention Bureau has com- menced issue of advisory pamphlets on 'Fire Prevention Standards- Hong Kong.
BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE
119. The Department is especially grateful to the officers of the Buildings Ordinance Office for their invaluable technical assistance during the year in matters of Fire Prevention.
STANDARDS OF FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
120. The tremendous growth in the number of new buildings has resulted in very considerable increases in the sale of miscellaneous.
26
portable fire fighting appliances. Investigation during the year has revealed the desirability in the public interest of ensuring that standards of effectiveness and reliability of such equipment are provided and enforced. Fire extinguishers, for example, which when operated become 'pressure vessels', are to the public no less dangerous than boilers. Whilst in many instances annual tests are carried out by reputable firms, there is evidence that thousands of extinguishers exist in the Colony which have never been tested since manufacture.
NEW PROJECTS
121. The New Projects Division of the Fire Prevention Bureau processed 1,101 plans for new structures representing an increase of nearly 50% over the previous year. More architects have taken the opportunity of seeking the advice from the Fire Prevention Bureau at line drawings stage, bringing benefits to all concerned.
ROUTINE LICENSING AND INSPECTION
122. The bureau inspects and gives advice on all premises in respect of which other Departments as well as our own issue a licence or permit, and the number of instances where a life or fire risk has developed since the issue of the last licence is quite astonishing. 197 certificates have been issued by the Department under section 10A(1) of the Education Ordinance agreeing to the use, subject to suitable standards, of rooms in buildings for use as private schools.
GENERAL OBSERVATION
123. Officers of the bureau have performed sterling work during the year, and it is certainly no fault of theirs that a reduction in the number of fires was not in consequence achieved. As an example of the oddities which face the bureau, it would not be inappropriate to quote a routine inspection. A complaint was made that the owner of an upper floor in a tenement building had installed a locked gate, denying the remainder of the occupants alternative egress in the event of fire. The owner was persuaded to remove the obstruction and report when he had done so. Upon a re-inspection, the inspecting officer found a most ferocious dog chained to the now open space.
27
C.A.S.
124. In view of their valuable assistance during typhoon 'Wanda', at major fires and at incidents caused by collapse of tenement buildings, this report would be incomplete without recording our appreciation · for services rendered by members of the Civil Aid Services.
28
Miscellaneous Training School, Fire Boats and Fire Service H.Q., Workshops, Stores,
Hong Kong Island Fire District
Kowloon Fire District
New Territories Fire District
Airport Fire Contingent
Ambulance Service
Location
Auxiliaries Whole Time
Auxiliaries Whole Time
Auxiliaries Whole Time
Auxiliaries Whole Time
Whole Time
Whole Time
29
I.
H
23
H
I
N LA
District Fire Officer
4
Senior Divisional Officers
to
Divisional Officers
NO
WN
12
1.
APPENDIX I
DISTRIBUTION OF STAFF AT 31ST MARCH, 1963
Assistant Divisional Officers
Station Officers
Assistant Station Officers &
Assistant Group Officers (Women)
Principal Fireman
Senior Fireman
Leading Fireman
的
CA
1
41
273
24
39
274
15
183
4
7
62
115
138
36
[
Class I Fireman
Class II Fireman
12
Fire Boat Personnel
1
}
Physical Training Officer
Secretary
Accountant
Clerical Service
1.
Stores Staff
T
Draughtsman
Watchmen, Caretakers
N
11
19
T
ON
ம்
1
Labourers
协
Cooks
էս
Telephonists
Ambulance Supervisors
HONG KONG
DISTRICT COMMANDER
DISTRICT FIRE OFFICER
A. D. O. IS. 0.
SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER
FIRE PREVENTION STAFF
D.0.
PRINCIPAL F.S.
HONG KONG
WESTERN F.S.
ABERDEEN F.S.
1000
D. 0.
EASTERN F. S.
FIRE DISTRICTS
KOWLOON & NEW KOWLOON
NEW TERRITORIES
FIRE SERVICES ORGANIZATION
DIRECTOR
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
BRARY
STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION
SENIOR STAFF OFFICER
SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER
DISTRICT COMMANDER
DISTRICT COMMANDER
DISTRICT FIRE OFFICER
SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICEK
A. D. O. JS. O.
A. D. 0./S. 0.
AMBULANCE
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER
FIRE PREVENTION STAFF
SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER
FIRE PREVENTION STAFF
D.O.
D. 0.
MA TAU CHUNG
MONGKOK F. S.
F. S.
D. 0.
TSUEN WAN F. 5.
D. Q.
COLONY FIRE CONTROL
FIRE BOATS & D. O. OFFSHORE ISLANDS
DIVISION
TRANSPORT, WORKSHOPS & SUPPLIES
A. F. S.
TRAINING
STAFF
D. O. (AMB.)
D. O. (FPI.)
D. O. (W.)
D. O. (A. F. S.)
D. O. (TR.)
D. O. (C. S. O. I)
A. D. 0.
NEW PLANS
A. D. O. (W.)
A. D. O. (A. F. 5.)
A. D. O. (TR.)
SHEUNG SHUI F. S.
INSPECTION
NORTH,POINT
TERMINUS F.S.
KUN TONG F. S.
F. S.
YUEN LONG F.S.
SHA TAU KOK
F. S.
SHAUKIWAN F.S.
LAI CHI KOK F. S.
SAI KUNG F. S.
SAN HUI F. S.
TAI PO F. 5.
RENNIES MILL
F. S.
SHEK KONG F.S.
SHATIN F. S.
AMBULANCE
DEPOTS
LICENSING
TRAINING
WORKSHOPS
STORES (PHY.
SECRETARY
A. D. O.
ACCT. (E. O. II)
A. D. O. (C. & W.)
STAFF MOBILISING AND GENERAL
ACCOUNTS
GEN, OFFICE
STORES (ADM.)
ADMINISTRATION
PERSONNEL
REGISTRY
COMM. & WATER
TYPIST POOL
D. V.
ABBREVIATION
DIVISIONAL OFFICER
A. D. O. ASST. DIVISIONAL OFFICER G.S.O. GEN. STAFF OFFICER
STAFF OFFICER
TRAINING SCHOOL
ALEXANDER GRANTHAM
NO. 1 FIRE BOAT
$:0.
NO. 2 FIRE BOAT
A. F. S.
NO. 3 FIRE BOAT
F. 9.
W.
NO. 4 FIRE BOAT
NO. 5 FIRE BOAT
PENG CHAU FIRE STN. TAI O FIRE STATION
CHEUNG CHAU F. S.
TR.
AUXILIARY FIRE SERVICE FIRE STATION
WORKSHOP
TRAINING
C. & W. COMMUNICATION & WATER
PHY.
ADM.
PHYSICAL ADMINISTRATION
APPENDIX III
CAUSES OF FIRES: INCLUDING DEATHS AND INJURIES
AT FIRES AND SPECIAL SERVICES
No. of incidents
No. of deaths and
injuries
Careless handling or disposal of lighted matches, cigarettes,
hot ashes and candles, etc.
Careless handling or disposal of joss-sticks, joss-candles, fire-
crackers, joss-papers, mosquito coils, etc.
998
205
260
294
***
+
Hot cinders, sparks and burning soot from foul chimneys and
flues falling on inflammable materials
Over-turned kerosene stoves and oil lamps
Unattended cooking stoves, heaters, irons
Misuse of dangerous goods
Children playing with matches
Electrical faults generally
Sparks from defective motors
***
Over-heating or engines, motors and machinery
Boiling-over of oils, tar, wax, etc.
Burst gas mains or pipes ...
Sparks from welding equipment
Defective cooking stoves...
Uncontrolled burning of rubbish...
Spontaneous combustion...
Suspected arson
Unknown and special services and false alarmns
...
:
:
97
7
133
11
66
22
5
5
173
11
635
151
***
67
20
43
9
39
12
:
11
3
...
18
4
:
21
7
7
15
3
...
:
3
1
930
391
Total
31
3,521
1,156
32
LIABILITIES
APPENDIX IV
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WELFARE FUND
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH, 1963
ASSETS
$
$
Outstanding Loans
20,030.70
$102,444.58
Sundry Debtors
41,494.00
Stock of Christmas Cards and
Queen's F.S. Medals at Cost
448.20
7,371.02
109,815.60
6,438.90
Investments at cost
$14,596.40
Less: Accumulated depreciation
4,196.40
10,400.00
Cash
On Fixed Deposit
With Accountant General
40,000 00 3,881.60
43,881.60
$116,254.50
$116,254.50
Accumulated Fund as at 1st April,
1962
母婴
Add: Excess of income over expen-
diture for the year ended
31st March, 1963
Sundry Creditors
++
J. MILNER,
CERTIFICATe of the DIRECTOR OF AUDIT
Dep. Director of Fire Services. Aug., 1963.
The above Balance Sheet and the accompanying Statements have been examined in accordance with Regulation 11(2) of the Fire Services Department (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 Statements are correct.
W. J. D. CoOPER, Director of Audit,
AUDIT DEPARTMENT,
Hong Kong, 16th August, 1963,
33
Dr.
APPENDIX IV-Contd.
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WELFARE FUND
INCOME AND Expenditure AccouNT - FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH, 1963
EXPENDITURE
INCOME
Cr.
Recompensing members for extra services
***
$ 35,606.00
Fines
Outright grants to members and stations
22,643.49
Fees for Firemen's Services
Bad Debts written off
2,640.00
Donations
$
610.42
66,343.50
250.00
...
Depreciation on investments
1,280.00
Interest
Balance being excess of income over
On Investments...
$
490.00
expenditure
7,371.02
On Fixed Deposits
1,846.59
2,336.59
$69,540.51
$69,540.51
J. MILNER,
Dep. Director of Fire Services. Aug., 1963.
APPENDIX IV-Contd.
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WELFARE FUND
STATEMENT OF LOCAL INVESTMENT AS at 31st March, 1963
Middle
Stock
Nominal Value
Market
Price at 31.3.63
Market
Value
Book
Value
Apprecia- Deprecia-
tion
tion
$
$
$
$
$
Hong Kong Govern-
ment 34% Rehabi- litation Loan 1973-78
16,000.00 65.00 10,400.00 11,680.00
1,280.00
J. MILNER,
Dep. Director of Fire Services. Aug., 1963.
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WELFARE FUND
STATEMENT Of OutstandinNG LOAN AS AT 31st March, 1963
Outstanding Loans as at 1st April, 1962
Loans issued for period from 1st April, 1962 to 31st March, 1963
$ 6,324.00 27,442.00
33,766.00
Repayment of Loans for period from 1st April, 1962 to 31st March, 1963
13,735.30
Outstanding Loans as at 31st March, 1963
...
...
$20,030.70
J. MILNER,
Dep. Director of Fire Services. Aug., 1963.
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
WELFARE FUND
Statement of Fixed Deposit in Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, Hong Kong
**
Deposit Receipt No. 99/130
$20,000.00
*
27th Feb., 1963
41% per annum
27th Feb., 1964
Deposit Receipt No. 99/228
$20,000.00
13th March, 1963
41% per annum
13th March, 1964
J. MILNER,
Dep. Director of Fire Services. Aug., 1963.
Amount Deposited Date Deposited
Interest Rate
Date Repayable
34
APPENDIX V
TRANSPORT, WORKSHOPS AND SUPPLIES
Mileage by appliances and other vehicles
Fuel consumption, appliances and other vehicles
Pumping time ...
... 760,454 miles
70,505 gals.
1,357 hours
Monthly inspections
Repairs and modifications, mechanical and electrical
Body, ladder and general joinery
Canvas items for service generally
Hose: Repairs and tests to
Re-paints appliances and equipment
Fire and ankle boot repairs
4.
Alterations and repairs to uniform for
...
:
·
Drivers, Pump and Turntable Ladder Operators (including Auxiliaries)
tested and licensed
•
Accidents to all vehicles
Staff: Mechanical
Electrical
-
Sailmakers
•
Painters
Carpenters
Tailor
D
Cobblers
•
...
...
•
+++
...
44
...
...
*Fireman (Hose Repair)
Ratio of Mechanics to appliances
* Reinforced by loans from stations as required.
***
++
++
1,201 items
...
+
2,856 items
329 jobs
199 jobs
21 miles
376 jobs
3,849 items
1.605 officers & men
305
99
20
1
3
4
1
3
1
1-7
Stores Statistics
·
+
...
*
6,710
42,600
•
4
20,500
Nos. of groups of items held .....
Nos. of items issued in the year
Nos. of items received in the year
35
APPENDIX VI
SUMMARY OF STATIONS, APPLIANCES AND
MAJOR EQUIPMENT IN SERVICE AT 31ST MARCH, 1963
Turntable Ladders...
Rescue Tenders Pump Escapes
Dual Purpose Appliances
Major Pumps
Extra Heavy Pumps Land Rover Appliances Trailer Pumps Portable Pumps Emergency Tenders Foam Tenders
...
Hose Laying Lorries Hose Carrying Lorries Hydrant Vans
General Purpose Lorries Radio Vans
Mobile Command Units
Staff Cars
...
Motor Cycles Ambulances
+
Sitting Case Cars Mobile Repair Vans Mobile Compressors Mobile Generators...
Breathing Apparatus:
Oxygen
Compressed Air Resuscitating Sets... Skin Diving Sets 21" Delivery Hose 4" Relay Hose 14" Hose
**
...
***
争
...
...
444
G
...
·
•
---
***
+..
***
+
***
...
...
申
***
***
...
***
::
•
...
...
...
...
•
...
***
..
...
...
•
...
4
C
D
...
.
+
***
...
•
P
...
•••
***
...
•
•
...
++
1.
PO
***
*
...
***
-
A
...
-
KAJ
14
7
2
16
13
...
12
2
16
28
7
2
3
2
+
15
ลง ลงล
2
2
3
6
...
***
32
5
2
NN
2
PRI
* 44
*
35
83
41
8
Alexander Grantham:
No. 3 No. 2 No. 1
...
**
444
...
54.5 miles
8 miles 10.2 miles
Fire Boats
T
►
351 gross tons 10,000 g.p.m. 40' Launch 500 g.p.m.
94 gross tons 4,000 g.p.m.
45' High Speed Launch 1,000 g.p.m.
Fire Stations, Buildings and Quarters
Temporary Premises
Departmental Quarters :
Officers
Rank and File
Fire Stations
+
***
•
...
+
36
:
8
47
110
23
APPENDIX VI-Contd.
Very High Frequency Radio
...
•
***
-
:
:
:
Fire Services:
Fixed Stations Repeater Stations
Mobile Sets
Walkie Talkie Sets
Ambulance Service:
Fixed Stations
Repeater Stations
Mobile Stations
...
3
50
16
•
:
2
1
9
...
APPENDIX VII
FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
SUMMARY OF INSPECTIONS
...
...
***
...
+
•
...
:
32
484
1,465
1,084
290
15
392
•
+
***
...
...
...
***
...
...
...
:
**
.:.
...
P
:
5
1,079
6,292
367
5
143
1,102
189
653
682
493
•
...
...
...
+
+
...
•
•
Buildings (general)
Places of public entertainment Dangerous Goods storage.. Factories and hazardous trades
Fire Services Installations
Garages and allied trades... High and Low Flash Liquids
Hotels and Boarding Houses Kerosene in retail shops
Miscellaneous
Neon Signs...
Offensive Trades
...
***
Petrol pump installations... Plans (new constructions) Printing Presses
***
Restaurants and eating places Schools
Timber Yards and allied trades
...
:
:
+
:
...
37
14,772